By Vito Barcelo
THE government will finally implement Cebu’s long-delayed flood control master plan, with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon
PBBM: Massive cleanup to reduce floods
By Rex Espiritu
and Maricel V. Cruz
THE death toll from the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Uwan” has climbed to 27, according to the latest report from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Meanwhile, over 1 million families or 3.5 million people, were reportedly affected by the typhoon’s onslaught.
More than 171,000 families sought refuge in nearly 9,000 evacuation centers, while an additional 84,000 families stayed with relatives and friends.
OCD assistant spokesman Diego Mariano said the fatalities were recorded in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Bicol,
Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
In the Cordillera region alone, 19 deaths were reported, nineof them in Ifugao, four in Benguet, and three each in Mountain Province and Kalinga.
In Region 2, Nueva Vizcaya recorded three fatalities, while Catanduanes in Bicol Region, Capiz in Western Visayas, Samar in Central Visayas, and Sulu in Zamboanga Peninsula reported one death apiece.
One additional fatality was listed from an unidentified province.
The OCD also reported two individuals missing, both in Kalinga, while 36 others were injured in various regions.
By Charles Dantes and Joel E. Zurbano
PRESIDENT
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the launch of Oplan Kontra Baha, a massive clearing and cleaning operation targeting heavily silted and trash-choked waterways across Greater Metro Manila to reduce chronic flooding in the capital and nearby provinces by at least 60 percent.
Speaking at the Balihatar Creek in Parañaque City, Mr. Marcos said the program, officially titled Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, will run for about nine months or until July next year.
"A large part of the flooding is the siltation and garbage that accumulate and cluster together so the water cannot pass," the President said. "So, the first thing we need to do is clean all the esteros and all the spillways to ensure a smoother flow of water.”
“If this is done properly, flooding can be reduced by up to 60 percent," he added.
By Maricel V. Cruz
By Vince Lopez
OUR LADY OF THE RULE. Lapu Lapu City officials led by Mayor Maria Cynthia King-Chan and Congressman Junard "Ahong" Chan carry the undas of the image of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Regla in the Virgen de la Regla national shrine as part of the annual fiesta in Lapu-Lapu City. Alan Tangcawan
Enrile being given ‘dedicated care’ in ICU, family thankful for prayers
By Charles Dantes
FORMER Senate president and chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile remains confined in the intensive care unit (ICU) for treatment of pneumonia, his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile said in an official statement released Wednesday.
"He is under the dedicated care of his attending physicians and medical staff who are providing him with the best possible treatment and atten-
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Based on studies by the former Project NOAH, the government will also expand Oplan Kontra Baha beyond Metro Manila to flood-prone areas in Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.
"We will continue to desilt, fix pumping stations, and protect watersheds upstream. Once the majority of this is done, we will feel right away in the next rainy season that flooding will be greatly reduced," Mr. Marcos said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways will lead the operations, which the President said will
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Of the injured, Benguet and Ifugao each logged nine, followed by Nueva Vizcaya with four; Mountain Province, four; Quezon, three; Camarines Norte, five; , Catanduanes, 1; and Negros Occidental, 1.
In the latest situational report of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), flooding was reported in more than 360 areas nationwide, mostly in Regions 2, 3, 5, and CALABARZON.
The typhoon rendered 277 road sec-
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But experience has shown that ambiguities, procedural lapses, and outdated provisions have created confusion and weakened institutional accountability,’’ the bill’s explanatory note states. ‘‘This measure seeks to fulfill’’ not discard’’ the Constitution: to correct errors, complete its intent, and reinforce its authority with clarity and coherence.’’
The proposed amendments focus on provisions involving impeachment proceedings, amnesty grants, tax exemptions, and the composition of the Judicial and Bar Council.
Puno said the Con-Con is the most practical mode to address constitutional ambiguities through reasoned debate anchored in law and the people’s voice.
Under the bill, 150 delegates will be elected on May 11, 2026, from all 18 administrative regions, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Each region elects three base delegates, with additional delegates apportioned by population.
No appointive delegates will be allowed. Delegates must be natural-born citizens, at least 25 years old, college graduates, and independent from political office, with a one-year ban on seeking public office after the convention.
The Con-Con must convene by July 15, 2026, and complete its work within a year, with proposed amendments submitted to a plebiscite 60 to 90 days after approval.
Meanwhile, the Akbayan Partylist group filed House Bill 5905, the Comprehensive Anti-Political Dynasty Law, to enforce the Constitution’s mandate against dynasties. Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Kaka Bagao said political dynasties concentrate power in a few families, reinforcing poverty, inequality, and weak institutions.
Bag-ao said, ‘‘Ordinary Filipinos shouldn’t have to fight dynasties just to serve their communities. The real dragons are poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. This bill ensures capable leaders can tackle those challenges without being blocked by inherited power.’’
now be part of the agency’s annual maintenance budget to ensure continuous desilting and clearing efforts beyond the initial phase.
President Marcos also highlighted the discovery of several faulty pumping stations across Metro Manila that have worsened flooding rather than alleviate it.
"There are pumping stations that, since they were built, have never worked even once. Instead of providing a solution, these are the things that block the water," he said.
The President lauded the partnership between the national government, local government units, and the private sector, particularly with business leaders Manuel Pangilinan and Ramon Ang, who volunteered to assist in the cleanup and dredging op-
tions and 61 bridges impassable, particularly in the Cordillera, Bicol, and Cagayan Valley regions. Clearing and repair efforts by deployed personnel and local disaster teams are ongoing. Power interruptions were reported in 497 cities and municipalities, with 410 still without electricity as of Tuesday night. Water and communication services were also disrupted in several provinces, including Bicol and Eastern Visayas.
Initial estimates placed infrastructure damage at ₱126.6 million, concentrated in Bicol, CARAGA, and Central Luzon. About 41,000 houses were reported damaged, with over
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tion," she said.
“We are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers, and support extended to our family during this time,” she added.
The family did not disclose further details about his condition or how long he has been hospitalized.
The 101-year-old Enrile, a longtime political figure, who has served in various government positions since the 1960s, was last seen in public at a Palace event earlier this year.
erations.
"This cannot be done by the national government alone," President Marcos said. "The private sector, LGUs, and national agencies must work together.”
Ang — who earlier committed to help address Metro Manila’s perennial flooding — was among the first to push for the coordinated clean-up drive, which Mr. Marcos said will soon be replicated in other floodprone areas such as Cebu, Bacolod, Roxas City, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes said the goal of Oplan Kontra Baha is to clean 142.4 kilometers of rivers, streams, and estuaries and 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems throughout Metro Manila.
7,000 totally destroyed, mainly in Bicol Region. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on late Wednesday afternoon reported that Tropical Storm “Uwan” (international name: Fung-wong) reentered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now approaching southern Taiwan.
Uwan’s center was last estimated 210 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
It was moving east-northeastward at 10 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph
locations where lightning rallies are expected.
‘‘INC rally will be staged at Quirino Grandstand, and the UPI is set to convene at the EDSA People Power Monument. We are also monitoring other locations that may have lightning rallies, such as the US Embassy, Mendiola, and other usual rally spots,’’ Asilo said.
She added that the police are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to manage traffic congestion along EDSA, where the UPI prayer rally will take place over three days.
‘‘We have prior coordination with the MMDA. Announcements will be made regarding road rerouting and parking areas for participants. Since this is a three-day rally, parking will be available for buses and other vehicles,’’ she stressed.
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cannot automatically enforce an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against his client.
Torreon explained that Republic Act No. 9851, covering crimes against international humanitarian law and other crimes against humanity, is not self-executing because it lacks implementing rules and regulations governing the surrender process.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that the alleged copy of the warrant obtained by his brother Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla came from a third source.
"We talked on the phone. He told me he got the electronic copy from a third source. So, it is not from the ICC," he told Dobol B TV in Filipino.
ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, on the other hand, said that all warrants of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are now to be filed as 'under seal' or secret.
In an interview with Manila Standard on Wednesday, Conti explained that it is 'fair enough' for the court spokesperson not to confirm a warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa following a recent amendment to the ICC's regulations.
"What this means is that, whether a warrant has indeed been issued or is still to be issued, it is most likely not intended to be made known to the
In 2022, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. appointed him as chief presidential legal counsel. Despite his advanced age, Enrile remained active in government and public affairs until recently.
On Tuesday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada also disclosed that Enrile is currently hospitalized and reportedly has “slim chances of surviving,” asking lawmakers to keep the elder statesman in their prayers.
“This program forms part of a comprehensive, government-wide strategy promoted by President Marcos Jr. to address flooding issues and enhance disaster mitigation and urban resilience,” Artes said.
The Metro Manila Council backed the initiative.
“Through this whole-of-nation approach—uniting the national government, local governments, and the private sector to address flooding in Metro Manila—we are confident the situation will improve significantly,” MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said.
“Rivers, creeks, and other waterways will be dredged and cleaned as part of this sustained, collective effort for the benefit of all Metro Manila residents,” Zamora added.
near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. The state weather bureau has since raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in Batanes. The tropical storm is forecast to move generally northeastward until it makes landfall over southern Taiwan by this evening. It will then emerge over the eastern coastal waters of Taiwan toward the Ryukyu Islands on Thursday. According to PAGASA, Uwan will continue to weaken due to unfavorable conditions and land interaction upon making landfall in Taiwan, eventually weakening into a remnant low.
In a separate statement, Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police recognize the right of Filipinos to freely practice their religion.
‘‘We respect the rights of every Filipino to freely practice their religion.
Our task is to ensure that this rally, like any peaceful gathering, remains safe for both participants and the surrounding community,’’ Nartatez said. ‘‘We will be visible, vigilant, and ready to respond to any situation that may arise.’’
Prior to the rallies, inter-agency coordination meetings were conducted to ensure a well-organized deployment and seamless support for participants and the public.
The PNP also acknowledged the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting the importance of safeguarding both citizens’ rights and public order.
The police urged the public to observe traffic regulations, cooperate with security personnel, and participate responsibly.
public - until of course a suspect has been brought to the court. Considerations for publicizing or not publicizing a warrant include whether this could interrupt criminal conduct, deter the commission of other crimes, or maximise opportunities for arrest," she said.
Said rule was approved last week and came into force on Monday, November 10, she said.
Sen. Bato's counsel said that "no Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) have ever been promulgated by the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or any other competent authority to define or govern the specific process by which such ‘surrender’ may be effected."
Section 17, he added, allows surrender or extradition only pursuant to applicable laws and treaties, making the provision conditional rather than automatic.
According to Torreon, surrendering a Filipino citizen to a foreign or international court constitutes a severe deprivation of liberty involving transfer outside Philippine jurisdiction.
Yesterday, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan clarified that under R.A. No. 9851, the state has two options available which includes extradition and surrender.
"To close the door on one option and just focus entirely on extradition is limiting the state's discretion under Sec. 17 of R.A. 9851. We also like to inform everyone that the [SC's] Rules
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Plan, completed in 2017, was meant to serve as a blueprint for longterm protection against urban flooding in the province.
Dizon ordered a full audit of all contracts and feasibility studies related to the Cebu flood control program to determine which agencies or officials should be held responsible for the delays.
“Accountability must not end with mere blame; there must be consequences,” Dizon said.
“Some officials may have opted to profit from these projects instead of delivering real solutions to the public," he added.
Cebu accounted for the majority of the death toll caused by Typhoon "Tino" that killed at least 232 people. The flood control master plan was based on a 2013 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Dizon said the government will consult former DPWH Secretary Babes Singson for its full implementation.
“There is no need to make new plans or studies because everything is already included in the master plan,” Dizon said.
The plan on both upstream and downstream areas. It includes measures such as water impounding, river management, and watershed protection to safeguard communities.
“We will start already now. But this time we will execute it the right way,” Dizon said.
Dizon said the master plan also includes policy recommendations such as stricter enforcement of no-build zones.
According to Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, the master plan initially received P700 million in funding in 2018 and another P1.2 billion in 2019.
"But after that, nothing. Funding stopped and the plan was shelved," Soco said in an earlier interview. "To be blunt about it: We abandoned the plan and the people paid the price.”
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The ICI, together with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a high command conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City to fine tune efforts and create a unified action plan for the investigation, data gathering, and prosecution of individuals and entities behind anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.
“Out of the 421 ghost projects, we are prioritizing the 80 projects involving 15 or 18 contractors mentioned by BBM (Marocs),” ICI special adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. told reporters.
on Extradition was actually brought about by the [DOJ's] request for the [SC] to come out with uniform guidelines on how to resolve requests for extradition," he said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson during a chance interview said he hopes to speak with Dela Rosa to share legal advice based on his own experience facing criminal charges.
Lacson recalled leaving the Philippines in 2010 after facing double murder charges and returning a year later, joking that he could teach Dela Rosa how to hide, leaving enforcement to authorities.
“He has not yet decided whether he will go into hiding. It is his choice,” the veteran lawmaker reminded.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, on the other hand, urged faith in Philippine courts and the rule of law, stressing that all legal matters, including any involving Dela Rosa, should be adjudicated within the country’s justice system.
For Cayetano, Philippine courts serve as the final authority on justice, and foreign tribunals cannot supersede local judicial processes.
Torreon reiterated that they have not received independent verification of any ICC arrest warrant at the time of writing.
Dela Rosa has not personally addressed the matter and skipped a recent plenary session amid reports of the alleged ICC warrant.
In a separate interview, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said almost 40 individuals are expected to be detained before Christmas in connection with anomalous projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro.
“So right now, I think four or five cases have already been filed with the Ombudsman. Those will be the first ones to face jail — the cases in Bulacan involving Discaya, Hernandez, Alcantara, and others; and the Mindoro cases which the Ombudsman also announced yesterday and will likely be filed before the Sandiganbayan in the coming days, including former Congressman Zaly Co, Sunwest, and also the Discaya group,” Dizon said.
Azurin said the ICI will also scrutinize flood control projects in the Ilocos region and Cebu — areas heavily affected by recent typhoons. The ICI aims to visit the Ilocos region this week, while Cebu, which suffered widespread and deadly flooding due to Typhoon “Tino”, will be inspected by Sunday.
Azurin added that the ICI also conducted an inspection in Davao last week.
“We hope we can build cases — definitely. Right now, we are securing the bid documents with the help of the CIDG and the NBI because they have subpoena power. We need to study those bid documents and compare them with the actual project implementation,” he said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Red-tailed tropicbird rescued in Baguio
BAGUIO City—Camp John Hay’s Yellow Trail, a popular birding spot, became the site of a rare wildlife encounter when a juvenile Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) was found.
On November 10, at the onset of Typhoon Uwan, two security personnel from the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) spotted the disoriented bird struggling to fly. Recognizing its distress, they quickly captured it and handed it over to the Environment and Asset Management Department (EAMD).
The EAMD coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Conservation Development Division to ensure proper care for the bird.
The red-tailed tropicbird, usually seen over tropical seas and coral reefs, rarely appears inland. Its presence in Baguio highlights how extreme weather can displace marine species. Dexter A. See
Lawmakers promote sustainable farming
SENATOR Francis Pangilinan is advocating organic agriculture as a public health strategy to combat rising respiratory and lifestyle diseases in the Philippines.
He said naturally grown produce reduces exposure to harmful chemicals while providing essential nutrients and better flavor. Pangilinan cited his own organic farm in Cavite, linking healthy soil to community well-being.
The senator emphasized that chemical-free farming also benefits farmers by lowering input costs and increasing market value. He urged government support for organic farming through training, investments, and accessible programs.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos proposed a digital Agriculture Data Dashboard to provide real-time information on crop production, imports, and prices. Ram Superable
BI reminds foreigners to file visas online
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded foreign nationals that visa extensions can still be processed online through the agency’s eServices portal.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued the statement after a foreign national claimed on social media that the Siargao Field Office was “down” due to typhoon damage.
Viado confirmed the office was affected but assured that most BI offices nationwide remain operational and online services are available for those in affected areas.
“Please bear with us as we deal with typhoon damage,” Viado said, adding that the eServices platform allows foreigners to complete transactions without visiting an office in person. Vito Barcelo
PORTRAITS. Veteran Spanish journalist Jose ‘Pepe’ Rodriguez presents First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos with a copy of the new edition of Philippine First Ladies Portraits by the TantocoRustia Foundation at the Goldenberg Mansion.
CBCP says pay ecological debt
By Vito Barcelo
CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Kalookan Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, has called on world leaders, especially from rich and industrialized nations, to take moral responsibility for the worsening climate crisis by paying their “ecological debt” and phasing out fossil fuels.
Speaking at a side event during the climate summit in Brazil, David urged developed countries to support vulnerable nations like the Philippines, which bear the brunt of extreme weather events despite contributing least to global emissions.
“Let us pray for the Philippines, which continues to suffer from lifethreatening typhoons,” David said, adding, “Climate change is a wound to human dignity. For our people, facing droughts, cyclones, forest loss, ocean warming, displacement, and hunger,
climate change is not abstract. It is daily survival.”
The cardinal said the climate crisis is not only an environmental or economic issue but a moral one rooted in “broken relationships” between humanity and nature.
“Repair requires new imagination, new priorities, and new forms of solidarity. This conversion must be personal, structural, cultural, and systemic,” he said.
David emphasized that fighting climate change goes beyond infrastructure and nature-based solutions. It must include protecting indigenous territories, ensuring food sovereignty,
BOC: X-ray images of imported luxury vehicles were tampered
By Vito Barcelo
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday said that X-ray images of luxury vehicles imported by contractors Curlee and Sara Discaya were tampered with to conceal the vehicles’ true nature and evade proper duties and taxes.
Over 15 customs personnel, including appraisers and examiners, were issued show-cause orders in connection with the irregular importations.
“Some personnel claimed their signatures were forged or appeared electronically without a corresponding wet signature, suggesting a coordinated effort
to circumvent the system,” the BOC said in a statement.
The BOC confirmed that many of the Discayas’ luxury cars had no import entry records or certificates of payment, indicating potential smuggling.
Officials described the incident as an “unlawful importation” and a “clear attempt” to
protect government revenues. The vehicles included a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Bentley Bentayga, several Mercedes-Benz G-Class models, and other high-end brands.
The BOC has been investigating the matter in coordination with other agencies and has since recovered all the ve
hicles involved.
Debt suspected in cop shooting
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the case of Caloocan City Police Captain Ronnie Sarto, who was killed after allegedly robbing a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan. Authorities say money and debt issues may have driven him to commit the crime.
According to Major Hazel Asilo, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Sarto was the assistant chief of the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section of the North Caloocan City Police Station. He reportedly had no derogatory record, but his food and RTW
business collapsed during the pandemic.
“Based on our checking, he is already out of loan,” Asilo said.
Bulacan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Angel Garcillano said Marilao Municipal Police personnel responded to a 911 call and encountered Sarto less than 30 minutes after the robbery. Employees identified him as the armed man who committed the crime.
He reportedly changed clothes at a barangay before fleeing, and also attempted to rob a gas station. “We are checking whether he was involved in other incidents in Bulacan, including Marilao, Meycauayan City, and San Jose del Monte,” Garcillano said.
and empowering local communities to manage their natural resources.
“It’s unconscionable that those least responsible for the problem suffer the most,” he said, calling for a historic North-South coalition to push for climate justice.
Despite the challenges, David expressed hope in the growing public awareness and civic engagement among Filipinos. “There is a strong reaction now from young people and ordinary citizens. This is a new expression of people power — not just rallies or demonstrations, but a movement to strengthen our democracy and make our systems of checks and balances work,” he said.
PAL launches ‘FurPAL’ service for animals
By Joel E. Zurbano
LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is improving the travel experience for pet lovers by launching a new in-flight service called FurPAL, which allows passengers to bring small dogs in-cabin on flights to popular destinations like Boracay, Bohol, and Siargao.
Reservations open on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with the travel period starting December 1, 2025, for a one-way base fare of P2,500.
“As the first mover in pet air travel in the Philippines, we recognize the unbreakable bond between people and their beloved pets. With FurPAL, we make it more convenient to take a vacation with pets and create unforgettable memories together,” said PAL Vice President for Marketing Alvin Miranda.
He added that PAL is taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to welcoming pets on board.
“We are initially offering this service for small dogs and can expand to other sizes and pet types depending on aviation security and safety regulations,” Miranda said.
HEROES’ BURIAL. The Philippine Air Force lays to rest two of its soldiers who perished in the helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur while conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations following typhoon ‘Tino.’ PAF photo
BPOs face probe on workers’ gripe
By Vito Barcelo
LABOR Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has ordered a thorough investigation of close to 100 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies that allegedly compelling their employees to report for work at the height of typhoon Uwan, warning that erring firms may face sanctions if found violating labor and employees’ safety laws.
Laguesma ordered the probe in response to a formal request from the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN Philippines) which identified 98 BPO
companies and sites, mostly based in Metro Manila, as allegedly disregarding government guidelines on work suspension during severe weather conditions.
IN BRIEF
PAF set to probe chopper crash in Aqusan del Sur
THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) has entered the final phase of its investigation into the recent helicopter in Agusan del Sur, killing two of its troopers.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the inquiry will look into all possible factors that may have contributed to the accident, including human error, material issues, organizational and environmental factors.
“The investigation team is now at its final phase of retrieval and consolidation of parts salvaged that can provide explanation,” Basco told Manila Standard. “Only after the final investigation report can we provide conclusive statements.”
Six PAF troops were out for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) missions in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino when the crash occurred in Loreto, Agusan Del Sur. Rex Espiritu
Manila hails UNESCO ‘Artist for Peace’
THE city council of Manila approved on Wednesday a resolution honoring renowned UNESCO Artist for Peace Maestro Manuel Baldemor for his significant exhibition to the arts.
Baldemor brought his artistic legacy to the Manila Clock Tower Museum, the capital city’s most iconic landmark.
In her message, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza urged the public to view the exhibit, reiterating the city government’s commitment to open the museum to artists.
The Tornaviaje exhibit commemorates the 460th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade highlighting the country’s cultural identity, from cuisine to religious iconography like the Virgin of Antipolo. Pot Chavez
Bill expands state support for seniors
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday introduced Senate Bill 1510, known as the Health Outreach for Seniors and Indigents Program, during a Senate plenary session.
T he measure seeks to establish a national initiative providing community-based care, assistive devices, and hygiene support for senior citizens and indigent persons with functional disabilities.
“Together with Senator Raffy Tulfo, we aim to identify and register seniors and indigent persons with sensory or mobility challenges, assess their needs through community profiling, and conduct regular visits every two months,” she said.
Hontiveros emphasized that functional ability is essential to healthy aging and longevity, enabling individuals to meet needs, learn, move, connect, and contribute to society. Ram Superable
According to the group, many employees were forced to report for work despite widespread flooding, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions caused by the recent typhoons.
Workers who opted to prioritize their safety and stay home were allegedly issued “notices to explain” their absence.
“I have acted on the request by directing the concerned regional directors where the companies being complained of are located to invite management to explain their side,” Laguesma said in a message to reporters.
Laguesma reminded employers that
under Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2022, companies must ensure the safety of their workers during natural calamities and may suspend operations when conditions warrant.
Typhoon Uwan, which made landfall in Aurora province on Sunday night, brought heavy rains, landslides, and storm surges across Luzon, cutting off electricity and leaving at least 25 people dead before exiting toward Taiwan.
‘PH
seafaring, manning chip in 4% to GDP’
By Katrina Manubay
THE country’s manning and seafaring industry remains a key stabilizer of the economy, contributing four percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a study by the University of Asia and the Pacific and ALMA Maritime Group Association of Licensed Manning Agencies) showed.
The paper titled “The Overseas Seafarers’ Industry Profile, Structure, and Impact on the Philippine Economy” presented on Tuesday by professor of Strategic Management and Industrial Economics and president of the Center for Research and Communication in UA&P Dr. Winston Padojinog.
The research confirmed that f Filipino seafarers in the maritime industry produce a total of ₱1.06 trillion in economic contributions..
“So when a seafarer is hired and sends money home, and when shipowners spend money inside the Philippines before deployment, it is not just the family who benefits. The whole community does,” Padojinog said.
The research also revealed that every ₱1.00 sent home to the Philippines nearly triples in value within the economy.
He noted that in simple terms, every peso spent by shipowners and every peso remitted by a seafarer, the impact multiplies to almost three times in the Philippine economy.
“The industry is not just labor export. It is a national economic strategy,” he added.
With SC ruling, Comelec aims to focus on 2026 BSKE
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it will focus on preparations for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) following the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the legality of Republic Act No. 12232, which reset the polls to November 2026.
Comelec chairman George Garcia welcomed the high court’s decision, calling it a “timely development” that allows the poll body to proceed with full implementation of its timelines and logistical plans.
“This hopefully puts an end to endless speculations concerning the BSKE. Now that the Supreme
Court has spoken, the Comelec can concentrate on our preparations,” Garcia said in a statement.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed petitions questioning the constitutionality of RA 12232, ruling that the measure is a valid “term-setting law” establishing a four-year term for barangay and SK officials and prohibiting consecutive terms.
The tribunal explained that “it is not a law postponing elections,” as the change in schedule was “merely incidental.”
Enacted by President Marcos last August, RA 12232 moved the BSKE originally set for December 1, 2025, to the first Monday of No -
vember 2026, and every four years thereafter. Meanwhile, the Comelec reported that more than 356,000 Filipinos have applied to register for the upcoming 2026 polls as of November 9. Of the total, 297,600 applications were for the barangay elections, while 58,821 were for the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Calabarzon recorded the highest number of applicants with 75,936, followed by the National Capital Region with 49,342, and Central Luzon with 39,841. Central Visayas posted 22,821 registrants, while the Register Anywhere/Anytime Program accounted for 1,686 applications. Vito Barcelo
By Rex Espiritu
THE entire province of Pangasinan has been placed in a state of calamity in the aftermath of super typhoon “Uwan” which left a wide swathe of inundations and devastation in many parts of the country. The Pangasinan provincial council passed Resolution No. 934-2025 adopting Presidential Proclamation No. 1077 issued by President Marcos last Nov. 5 declaring the whole Philippines under a state of national calamity for one year. “Nothing is more
OPINION
Population mismanagement
TYPHOON Tino’s death toll would likely reach 300 by the time this article sees print, with more than 100 yet missing a week after its onslaught.
Pangasinan’s representative, Mark Cojuangco posits: “Bakit kasi sa flood plain gumawa ng tirahan?”
That remark caused an uproar, with many finding it insensitive to victims who had just lost loved ones and livelihood.
Maybe Cojuangco was just being frank, but is he blaming the residents and not the agencies that allowed such?
To begin with, and this writer has been consistently railing against it -- we are an over-populated nation, with close to 120 million living, and many in subhuman existence, in a mere 300,000 hectares dispersed through 7,641 islands (that used to be 7,107 islands, but government now counts all those islets that bob in and out of water, as if the number of islands are an advantage rather than an adversity.
Our ASEAN neighbors, bigger in contiguous land masses, have less people crowding their urban centers, but that’s something we have been writing about as well.
We cannot cull our people the way we cull poultry when an epidemic strikes. Tokhang erased 6,000 or more drug pushers and addicts from the country’s population, yet see how the whole “civilized” world reacted, countries which have through generations promoted birth control and population management while we grew more and more babies without providing for their proper sustenance.
If a sane government starts proactively managing population growth come 2028, it would take a generation to see palpable results.
In 1978, Thailand and the Philippines had 43 to 44 million people each. There are now 70 million Thais, while we have almost 120 million. We have 300,000 square kilometers of land, they have 513,120. See what I mean?
But part of population management is not just about total numbers. It is also about density which can be managed by strictly enforced regulations, and location, which can be classified and habitatprohibited.
Cojuangco is correct, but why in the first place did government allow people to inhabit flood plains and river banks?
Why, pray tell, can Iloilo City through Mayor Jerry Trenas work tirelessly through years to construct a scientifically planned and properly constructed flood spillway, sans concrete walls and instead lied with vegetation, while more prosperous Cebu cannot?
Why have our legislators (oh, them again?) not passed a National Land Use Act, which has been introduced in every Congress since Cory’s time but never passed?
Why, even our laid-back president who says he is “very, very sorry” (shades of GMA’s “I am sorry” 20 years ago) enumerated that priority legislation in his first SONA, but has given up three
SONAs after.
Remember how on Dec. 4, 2012, thousands living in the Cagayan de Oro river banks perished as a super typhoon brought waters cascading down Bukidnon’s slopes?
Even media seems to have forgotten that tragedy in Northern Mindanao as we mourn those who perished in Liloan and Talisay and metro Cebu.
And yet the similarities are there.
We never learn. It is the negligence, incompetence and corruption of government officials, national or local, which kill and destroy.
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People are outraged by the unconscionable corruption that attended thousands of flood control projects, but they should likewise blame incompetence and negligence which are just as criminal
Not informal settlers who have no recourse but to exist wherever they can. Not middle class residents who are fooled by developers into buying property with hard-earned savings cum loans on what should be terra prohibita.
DENR vows to investigate the Monterrazas in the Guadalupe slopes upon Cebu City. But did they not grant an ECC before building even started?
Did not the city government grant a building permit? Where in hell’s name was government then, yet now, in heaven’s fury, vows to investigate? Hello?
Footages of the provinces devastated by Typhoon Uwan show how perilously close to shores human habitats have been allowed by government.
Good that images of Tino’s wrath may have forced residents in such places to be evacuated to safer ground, but what if the waves and winds were of Yolanda strength?
Our president drops in on Liloan and Talisay for a few minutes, and likely will visit some other places Uwan devastated, giving promises of consuelo de bobo, and then hies off to a “command performance,” a concert at the Goldenberg mansion near the palace, perhaps to forget the cold, even hostile response most Cebuanos gave him.
People are outraged by the unconscionable corruption that attended thousands of flood control projects, but they should likewise blame incompetence and negligence which are just as criminal.
Demonstrate that outrage that cries to the heavens for retribution come Nov. 16 to 18 and then again come Nov. 30.
We can’t seem to learn
GIVEN that we are considered the most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change, it stands to reason that our disaster response capabilities should be one of the best in world. Unfortunately, however, we have proven time and again that our efforts are always wanting. Typhoon Tino just proved this once again. And the fact that we did not lose as much with Typhoon Uwan is not because of anything we did but because the strength of Uwan weakened considerably, sparing the country from a lot of casualties. Agriculture and infrastructure damages, however, were still considerable. If it is not one of the 20 typhoons that visit the country every year that is causing so much misery, it would be an earthquake or a volcano erupting. Sometimes all three are happening at the same time. This is due to the fact that our country is in a region in the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire. By now, we should no longer be suffering from that kind of devastation caused by Typhoon Tino and our President need not be apologizing for the many casualties if we have been doing
our homework.
But we never seem to learn.
One would think that Typhoon Yolanda should have made us resilient but, unfortunately, as Typhoon Tino just showed us, we haven’t learned anything and seem to be always starting from scratch.
We haven’t learned anything and seem to be always starting from scratch
It should now be obvious to our leaders that the current emergency response system that we have is no longer responsive and should be replaced by a more efficient and more flexible program more suited to the kind of emergency situations that are happening nowadays.
For instance, the kind of flooding that devastated Cebu at the height of Typhoon Tino was so rapid and apparently totally unexpected that any response
ICI ramps up anti-corruption probe
FOR an ad hoc body tasked with the monumental task of unearthing the truth behind the thievery of hundreds of billions of pesos in public funds that ended up instead in private pockets, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has been producing tangible results since its establishment in September.
The ICI investigation of anomalous, substandard and ghost flood control projects throughout the country has already led to four reports recommending the filing of charges against lawmakers, private contractors and government functionaries.
In September, the ICI filed its first report recommending the filing of appropriate charges against 18 public officials, including resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, in connection with alleged irregularities surrounding the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
A month later, the commission recommended that criminal and administrative cases be filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Co, and three other individuals linked to suspected “ghost” flood control projects.
On Nov. 4, the ICI submitted its third report, recommending the filing of criminal and administrative cases against several former DPWH
officials due to potential irregularities in a P72-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
The credibility of the administration’s anticorruption campaign will ultimately depend on what happens next
Last week, the ICI submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman its fourth report urging the filing of charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways chief Manuel Bonoan and several other officials over irregularities in the P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The ICI’s successive reports demonstrate a vigorous, methodical ef-
By Jose Antonio Goitia
AFTER the fury of Typhoon Uwan, you might wonder about the followthrough—about the actions taken when the storm warnings fade but the devastation remains.
This is where hands-on leadership shifts from a concept to a necessity. You need to know that the people in charge are not just issuing orders from a distant office; they are actively involved in the recovery.
That’s the message you receive when Acting PNP Chief Police Ltt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. personally visits the PNP Command Center. When he takes the time to sit with Col. Ramon Pranada and review reports from regional units, you see a commitment to continued vigilance.
You are being assured that recovery, relief, and security operations are not left to chance, but are being actively coordinated to be responsive to your community’s specific needs.
Leadership in Action: What You Deserve to See
Think about what makes a leader effective in a crisis. You want someone who is engaged.
would probably have been unable to stop what happened.
If there was anything learned from that flooding, it is the value of properly assessing the situation before the event –and that is called forward planning.
It is the ability to evaluate and make a forecast to what might happen and plan accordingly.
Our current system does prepare for food packs to be prepositioned but forward planning is often seldom done which is unfortunate.
But long before Typhoon Yolanda, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did in fact try a new approach to emergency management by trying to adopt the Cobra system of the United Kingdom to be applied here.
Since I was in her government then, she sent me to the UK for a series of meetings which resulted in us selecting about 18 government officials to take
fort to expose systemic corruption in public infrastructure.
Four separate reports in as many months, covering projects worth hundreds of millions of pesos, indicate that the commission has diligently scrutinized longneglected areas of graft within the DPWH, one of the country’s most historically corruption-prone agencies.
The ICI’s recommendation to prosecute not just mid-level engineers but also high-ranking officials like Bonoan and two former undersecretaries suggests that it is not shying away from politically sensitive targets. This is a most welcome development.
However, the credibility of the administration’s anti-corruption campaign will ultimately depend on what happens next—specifically, whether the Office of the Ombudsman acts decisively on these recommendations and whether the Department of Justice and Malacañang demonstrate political will to allow cases to proceed without interference.
After all, the trend in Philippine governance has too often been that exposés and investigations end in paper reports, with accountability evaporating into thin air once the news cycle moves on and public interest wanes. We hope that this time, this will not be the case.
Seeing leadership when it counts
During his visit, Nartatez was not just receiving a briefing; he was engaging directly with personnel, checking realtime updates, and giving clear guidance on how to sustain coordination with local governments and other responders.
He is emphasizing to his team, and to observers, the importance of maintaining readiness even after the storm has passed.
—“—
It is a powerful reminder that public service does not end when the storm passes
You deserve a leader who understands that true leadership means standing with the people not only during the initial chaos but throughout the long, difficult process of recovery.
You are being reminded that effective leadership in times like these requires both the discipline to organize a massive response and the compassion to execute it humanely—qualities that should always
the initial two-week course. These officials formed the core group and eventually resulted in the late Secretary Roilo Golez being appointed as the Cabinet official in charge of any emergency situation whether natural or man-made.
The next step was to bring a training team from the UK that went all over the country training local officials to form the first generation of the Cobra system.
Unfortunately, however, when PGMA left office, the new administration completely eliminated the program with other climate mitigating projects like dredging the heavily silted Laguna Lake.
The Aquino government maintained the old system which was the one in place when Yolanda struck. The UK Cobra system was never really tried which was a shame.
Up to now, we continue to rely on
define the PNP’s service to the public. Serving with Empathy and Unity: Your Safety, Their Priority The PNP remains fully mobilized to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation in areas hit by Uwan. With the Command Center operating around the clock, field units are working to ensure your safety, assist your neighbors returning home from evacuation centers, and help restore a sense of normalcy to your community. Nartatez’s personal visit is more than just a managerial check-up. It reflects a style of leadership rooted in empathy and action. It is a powerful reminder to you and your community that public service does not end when the storm passes. It continues relentlessly, for as long as people like you need help to rebuild. You are seeing commitment in action.
(The writer, a doctorate in philosophy holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, through which he continues to advance the causes of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.
our very bureaucratic system which is no longer responsive. For instance, it should not be the President directing the search and rescue effort.
That is not his job. In the UK Cobra system, the responsibilities of every level of government official are well defined.
All that the President does is to receive briefings from those on the ground. But from what happened in Cebu during Typhoon Tino, most of the mayors were apparently gallivanting in Europe when their municipalities were being devastated.
So, who do we blame?
It is clearly time to change. There are many good models around the world that our government can look into to see what fits our needs.
But we have to do it now.
We should never have to experience what Typhoon Tino did to us ever again.
IN BRIEF
SEOUL – A former South Korean spy chief who led the intelligence agency during last year’s martial law declaration was arrested on Wednesday for dereliction of duty, a Seoul court told AFP
The arrest follows a request by special prosecutors for a warrant against Cho Taeyong, former head of the National Intelligence Service, on charges that he ignored his duties as spy agency chief and posed a risk of destroying evidence, among other allegations.
The Seoul Central District Court reviewed the validity of the warrant Tuesday and granted it.
“The outcome of the review is... the issuance of the warrant on the risk of evidence destruction,” the court said in a statement to AFP.
“The primary charge is dereliction of duty,” it added.
Prosecutors said Cho, a career diplomat who led the spy agency at the time of former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration in December, failed to report the move to parliament despite “understanding its illegality.” AFP
needed to force vote on Epstein
WASHINGTON, DC – After weeks of delay, congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva will be sworn into the US House of Representatives on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time), where the Arizona Democrat is expected to force a vote on the release of the Epstein files.
Democrats who have been demanding the release of investigative files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein gained Grijalva’s crucial vote when she won her seat in Arizona on September 23, but she was not sworn in before the federal government shutdown began October 1.
On Oct. 9, Grijalva accused House
Speaker Mike Johnson -- a close ally of US President Donald Trump -- of “delaying my swearing in to avoid releasing the Epstein files,” she said in a post on X.
“After seven weeks of waiting, I almost can’t believe it’s true,” Grijalva said in a video posted to X on Monday, confirming her plans to travel to DC and join Congress. AFP
SYDNEY
PHNOM PENH – A Cambodian conglomerate whose founder has had more than $15 billion of allegedly ill-gotten assets seized said it “categorically rejects” claims he amassed his fortune running an internet scam empire.
A frenzy of asset confiscations in Europe, the United States and Asia have targeted Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group -- with authorities alleging its founder Chen Zhi was running a transnational criminal
House vote likely today on ending US gov’t shutdown
WASHINGTON, DC – The effort to end the longest-ever US government shutdown heads Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) toward a final vote, as President Donald Trump declared victory in the political face-off and rival Democrats tore themselves apart over the deal
The House of Representatives appeared likely to vote Wednesday on a spending bill to solve the six-week standoff, after eight Democrats broke ranks in the Senate on Monday to side with Trump’s Republicans.
During a Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump broke off to praise Republican House Speaker
Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
“Congratulations to you and to John and to everybody on a very big victory,” Trump said as he spotted Johnson in the audience.
“We’re opening up our country -- it should have never been closed,” added Trump, bucking US presidential tradition
US aircraft carrier arrival ups Venezuelan attack fears
CARACAS – A US aircraft carrier strike group arrived in Latin America Tuesday, escalating a military buildup Venezuela has warned could trigger a full-blown conflict as it announced its own “massive” deployment.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, entered an area under control of the US Naval Forces Southern Command, which encompasses Latin America and the Caribbean, the command said in a statement.
The vessel’s deployment was ordered nearly three weeks ago, with the stated goal of helping to counter drug trafficking in the region.
Its presence “will bolster US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.
President Donald Trump’s administration is conducting a military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, deploying naval and air forces for an anti-drugs offensive.
Caracas fears the deployment, which also includes F-35 stealth warplanes sent to Puerto Rico and six US Navy ships in the Caribbean, is a regime change plot in disguise.
President Nicolas Maduro, whose last two reelections were dismissed as fraudulent by Washington and dozens of other countries, has accused the Trump administration of “fabricating a war.”
by using a ceremonial event to score political points. Trump said later he expected the Republican-controlled House to approve the bill to fund the government through January.
“Only people that hate our country want to see it not open,” he told ESPN.
Top Democrats have vowed to oppose the government-funding bill, in large part because it does not directly address the extension of health insurance subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year. But it is likely to pass the House as it only needs a simple majority, which Republicans narrowly have.
From the start, Trump had piled pressure on Democrats by letting the shut-
down be as punishing as possible and refusing to negotiate on their demands on health insurance. A million federal workers went unpaid, food benefits for low-income Americans came under threat and air travelers faced thousands of cancelations and delays ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that the chaos could get worse by the weekend if the shutdown persists, with air traffic controllers unable to be paid and authorities ordering further slowdowns in flight traffic.
“You’re going to have airlines that make serious calculations about whether they continue to fly, full stop,” Duffy told reporters at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. AFP
BELEM, Brazil – Dozens of Indigenous protesters clashed with security guards Tuesday at the COP30 summit in Brazil, causing minor injuries in a rare incident of violence at the UN climate talks. In the evening, Indigenous demonstrators and their supporters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the conference hall in Belem and scuffled with security officers there.
The incident caused “minor injuries to two security staff, and minor damage to the venue,” a spokesperson for United Nations Climate Change told AFP.
“Brazilian and UN security personnel took protective actions to secure the venue, following all established security protocols,” the spokesperson said.
Calm was quickly restored and security staff used tables and chairs to barricade the entrance to the high-level “blue zone” at the heart of the conference venue.
An AFP journalist saw a police officer being evacuated in a wheelchair. Security inside the COP30 venue falls under the responsibility of the UN, while local authorities take charge of the surrounding area. UN police officers were asking those still inside the COP30 venue to evacuate the vast site of giant air-conditioned tents.
“The Indigenous movement wanted to present its demands inside the blue zone but were not allowed in,” said Joao Santiago, a professor at the Federal University of Para. AFP
“If we as a republic, as a people, go into an armed struggle in order to defend the sacred legacy of the liberators, we’re ready to win,” Maduro said Tuesday. AFP
treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure... peace and stability is by acting together,” Albanese told reporters.
The Australian leader said he hoped to visit Indonesia next year to sign the new treaty. He said the agreement builds on a bilateral defense pact signed in 2024, which pledged closer cooperation in the contested Asia-Pacific region and included provisions for each military operating in the other country. Thousands of Indonesian and Australian troops held joint drills in eastern Java months after the 2024 accord was signed. The new agreement will commit Australia and Indonesia to “consult at a leader and ministerial level, on a regular basis on matters of security”, Albanese said. It will also facilitate “mutually
Chiefs snap Stags’ run, climb to 3rd in Group A
ARELLANO University put an end to San Sebastian’s two-game win streak following a 78-71 win in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Chiefs not only halted the Golden Stags’ momentous run, but they also rose to the third seed of Group A with a 4-6 record.
“Ang kinukuha namin dito ay, kung ‘di man kami mag-number two, ‘yung number three, possible,”
Pangasinan five, San Juan dispute North Finals slot
THE San Juan Knights and the Pangasinan Heatwaves dispute the second North Division Finals berth at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. San Juan trounced Pangasinan, 83-66, in Game Two to force the decider in their best-of-three semifinal series, with the winner advancing to the division finals against top seed Abra Solid North.
coach Chico Manabat said.
“Pagbalik natin sa group natin, ‘pag binigay na sa atin ‘yung opportunity, kunin na natin. Kunin na natin at wag na natin pabayaan.”
Arellano U now sits closely behind defending champion Mapua (5-5) while Perpetual Help is still alone at the top with an 8-2 card.
As for the Stags, they ended their stellar string of wins, which included victories over Letran (6-4) and the Altas.
T-Mc Ongotan dominated anew for the Chiefs with 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Renzo Abiera also helped the cause with 20 points to his name.
Oneil Castor and Christian Ricio finished
The Heatwaves stunned the Knights, 67-57, in Game One, only to lose their composure when San Juan surged ahead by as far as 69-33.
The highly physical encounter resulted to disqualifying fouls by Pangasinan’s Lawrence Victoria and Harvey Pagsanjan and San Juan’s Kenneth Villapando, who are all suspended for the do-or-die encounter.
Orlan Wamar, AC Soberano, Nikko Panganiban, Arvin Gamboa and Dexter Maiquez will banner the Knights, while Vic Manuel, Alyn Bulanadi, Jorey Napoles, Michael Mabulac and Hesed Gabo will power the Heatwaves. Meanwhile, the halted Binan-Batan-
IN the rich tapestry of Philippine mixed martial arts, where warriors have risen and fallen in the name of national pride, Joshua Pacio now stands at the precipice of immortality. On Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, the Baguio City native has the chance to etch a new golden chapter in the country’s combat sports history as he challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship in the co-main event of ONE 173. This is not merely another world title bout. This is destiny calling on “The Passion.” If victorious, Pacio will become the first Filipino fighter — homegrown or
Orlan Wamar of San Juan
gas Game 2 encounter will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Batangas Province Events Center in Batangas City.
Binan won Game One, 72-67, and was ahead in Game Two, 13-7, on Tuesday when it requested that the game be reset as the thousands of spectators and the breakdown of the Batangas City Coliseum’s air conditioning system had rendered the court very slippery and risky for the players.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes decided the new date and both Binan and Batangas concurred. Under the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules, Game 2 will restart at 0-0.
otherwise — to hold major world titles in two different weight classes. In doing so, he would transcend the boundaries of what Filipino athletes have achieved inside the cage, raising a new standard for excellence in Philippine MMA.
Pacio’s résumé already speaks volumes. A multiple-time ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion, he has showcased the rare blend of creativity, composure, and cerebral sharpness that defines elite-level competitors in the allencompassing sport. But this leap to the flyweight division isn’t just about chasing glory—it’s about testing the limits of legacy. It’s about proving that greatness knows no division. For years, the Philippines has produced an illustrious list of MMA icons — Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario, Geje Eustaquio, Bran-
with 19 and 14 points, respectively for Baste but to no avail.
Reigning Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week Jhuniel Dela Rama, meanwhile, dropped 11 points and six rebounds in a losing effort.
The scores:
ARELLANO 78 – Ongotan 25, Abiera 20, Hernal 9, Geronimo 6, Valencia 4, Vinoya 4, Borromeo 2, Demetria 2, Camay 2, Cabotaje 2, Acop 2, Libang 0, Buenaventura 0, Langit 0, Anama 0 SAN SEBASTIAN 71 – Castor 19, Ricio 14, Segovia 11, Dela Rama 11, Felebrico 5, Cabilla 5, Gabat 4, Lumanag 2, Cuajao 0, Dimaunahan 0
Robinsons Malls teams up with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
HEADS up, gamers! Robinsons Malls officially joins forces with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as it officially becomes a Neighborhood Map site, transforming select malls nationwide into vibrant gaming hubs for fans of the country’s most popular mobile game.
With over 31 million players in the Philippines, MLBB has captured the hearts of the mobile gaming community across generations. From November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, players can immerse themselves even deeper in the world of MLBB as they explore and play at Robinsons Malls.
This exciting new feature connects virtual gaming with real-life Robinsons Malls branches, giving players the chance to interact with fellow gamers and win exciting prizes.
Kevin Acuña, PH Game Publishing Business Development Manager at MOONTON Games, said, “With Neighborhood Map, we want to give our players more meaningful ways to engage with MLBB in the real world. We are grateful to Robinsons Malls as we turn everyday visits into exciting missions where players can earn rewards by having fun and playing
don Vera, and even Mark Muñoz. Each carved their own mark in the sport, inspiring countless young dreamers to strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves.
Yet Pacio’s next conquest could set him apart from all of them, cementing his place as the most accomplished Filipino MMA fighter of this generation.
Should he triumph, Pacio will join an elite pantheon of Filipino athletes who shattered expectations and lifted the flag higher on the world stage — Manny Pacquiao, the lone eight-division world boxing champion; Hidilyn Diaz, the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist; Carlos Yulo, the gymnast whose double-gold haul turned heads in Paris; and Alex Eala, who broke barriers by winning a junior Grand Slam crown at the 2022 U.S. Open.
However, history never comes easy. Wakamatsu is no ordinary opponent. The Japanese standout is a natural flyweight
Thunderbelles seek to stay perfect in PVL
cations in the year-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision. For some teams, a win could mean a step closer to the title chase; for others, a loss could all but end their campaign. The Thunderbelles enter the 1:30 p.m. match with a spotless 6-0 slate – already guaranteed of a spot in the do-or-die quarterfinals. But instead of easing off, coach Jerry Yee wants the team to maintain its intensity and rhythm heading into the crucial stages. A victory over Cignal would not only move Zus Coffee within a win of a sweep of the tworound elims but also secure the No. 1 seed, a valuable advantage in the quarters where every edge matters.
Led by import Anna DeBeer, ZUS Coffee has been playing with remarkable cohesion. Cloanne Mondonedo has been masterfully running the offense, while Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Fiola Ceballos and Thea Gagate have all stepped up to form a balanced and lethal unit. That spells trouble for Cignal, whose season now hangs in the balance. At 3-3, the Super Spikers are tied with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the Akari Chargers and the Petro Gazz Angels for fifth but currently sit eighth in the points rankings – dangerously close to the cutoff line. A loss to ZUS Coffee could push Cignal out of contention, especially with Chery Tiggo and Choco Mucho (both at 2-4) still within striking distance. In contrast, a win could dramatically improve the Super Spikers’ playoff chances and inject confidence heading into their final prelims outing against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Nov. 18.
MLBB within select Robinsons Malls.
It’s all about bringing the game closer to our community and celebrating the spirit of play wherever they are.”
The MLBB Neighborhood Map serves as an interactive community hub where fans can engage with the game in exciting new ways. By visiting participating Robinsons Malls and completing special in-game challenges, players can unlock exclusive rewards and Robinsons Malls store vouchers, making every visit a rewarding experience.
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powerhouse, boasting 13 knockouts among his 19 career victories.
“Little Piranha” is bigger, heavier, and more dangerous — a finisher by instinct.
For Pacio, stepping into unfamiliar territory means navigating deeper waters against a man comfortable in the chaos.
It’s a test not only of skill but of courage, preparation, and resolve.
However, this is where Pacio’s brilliance quietly shines. Beyond his explosive striking and crowd-pleasing demeanor lies a thinker — an athlete who treats the cage like a chessboard. He studies tendencies, adapts mid-battle, and turns adversity into opportunity.
Having seen Wakamatsu’s style through the eyes of Danny Kingad and Eustaquio, Pacio knows what to expect. He understands the patterns, the feints, the rhythm.
The 29-year-old also knows what’s at stake. In this sport, greatness demands
more than just victory — it demands reinvention.
Pacio’s willingness to leave his comfort zone, to lock horns with a hard-hitting adversary in pursuit of history, embodies the Filipino fighting spirit in its purest form. It’s the same spirit that carried our champions across different disciplines, from the boxing ring to the weightlifting platform, from the gymnastics floor to the tennis court.
If Pacio’s hand is raised in Tokyo, it won’t just be another win. It will be a statement — a declaration that Filipino mixed martial artists are capable not only of competing with the world’s best but of redefining what is possible. It will be the night “The Passion” becomes a legend.
(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@gmail. com or visit his Facebook page at www. facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)
Robinsons Mall near you
In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano
Bullpups tame Baby Tamaraws,
NATIONAL University
Nazareth School overcame a gritty challenge from Far Eastern University-Diliman to pull off a hard-earned 72-68 victory and secure the top seed along with a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Final Four, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Mark Arzola led the Bullpups with 15 points on 7-of13 shooting and seven assists, while Clark Khobuntin delivered an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double as NUNS clinched the top spot heading into the postseason, bagged a coveted playoff incentive, and moved two wins away from completing an elimination-round sweep.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas held off a furious fourth-quarter rally from defending champion University of the East to secure a 102-93 victory.
With the contrasting results, NUNS remained unbeaten atop the eightteam field at 12-0, while FEU’s defeat allowed UST to gain a share of second place with identical 8-3 records.
“Importante ‘yung twice-to-beat talaga ‘eh. Lahat naman ng team ang laging hinahabol ay ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage at kaya nga tinawag na twice-to-beat advantage ‘eh, para kahit papaano, magkamali ka ‘man sa Final Four, may chance ka pa para makabawi,” said NUNS head coach Leo Pujante.
After trailing by 10 early in the game, the Bullpups stormed back to take a 39-35 halftime lead and carried that momentum into the third quarter. They unleashed a 14-3 run—capped by back-to-back inside baskets from Moussa Diakite and Arzola—to open a 53-38
edge
cushion with 4:48 left in the period. The Baby Tamaraws refused to go away, trimming the lead to just 64-60 behind a Prince Cariño layup and an Andrei Chavez triple with 4:34 remaining. But the Bullpups steadied themselves, scoring three straight inside hits from Arzola, Khobuntin, and Dean Tria to restore a 70-60 advantage entering the final two minutes. A late three-pointer by Dwayne Cañete and a layup from Dwyne Enriquez cut the deficit to 70-68 with 26.4 seconds left, but a costly FEU-D turnover in the final moments sealed the Bullpups’ 12th straight win and an unblemished 12-0 record. David Sabareza added 13 points, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Nick Pena contributed 12 points. Diakite struggled with his shot, scoring only seven points on 3-of-17 shooting, but still tallied eight rebounds, three blocks, and an assist.
LPGT’s best set out to end elusive TLPGA crown
A DETERMINED 20-player contingent from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour is gearing up to make history as it sets out to finally capture a long-sought first victory on the Taiwan LPGA Tour (TLPGA).
The Filipinas, along with three Korean LPGT regulars, head into the NT$5 million Party Golfers Ladies Open, unfolding Nov. 19 at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu, brimming with both confidence and quiet urgency. At the forefront is Daniella Uy, whose joint fourth-place finish in the 2019 edition remains the best performance by an LPGT campaigner in the event. She will once again spearhead a deep and battletested roster featuring this season’s LPGT leg winners – Chanelle Avaricio, Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and Florence Bisera – all eager to translate local dominance into international triumph. For the Filipinas, a win on Taiwan soil has been agonizingly close but remains elusive. Superal tied for 16th in the first
co-sanctioned LPGT-TLPGA event in 2018, while Uy’s near-podium finish in 2019 left her just three shots shy of local winner Yu Ling Hsieh. In more recent editions, Pauline del Rosario carried the Philippine flag with back-to-back top-10 finishes – joint sixth in 2023 and tied for eighth last year.
Yet, the collective sentiment heading into this year’s 54-hole championship is one of renewed belief. The contingent has honed its competitive edge through a grueling domestic season and a series of international forays, making them more than ready to take on the formidable field of top players and rising stars from Thailand, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and host Taiwan.
Among the most confident is Bisera, who is chasing a second international crown after her stunning breakthrough in Thailand last September – a victory that came right after she ruled the LPGT Negros Occidental leg.
Avaricio, a two-time LPGT champion
this year with an additional runner-up finish, also looms as a strong contender, her consistency and composure setting her apart.
Superal and Singson, both tested by stints on the Japan Step Up Tour and China Tour respectively, bring valuable overseas experience that could prove crucial in navigating the pressure and conditions of the TLPGA circuit.
Meanwhile, Harmie Constantino, the dominant force of last year’s LPGT season with four titles and another Order of Merit crown, is out to end her title drought with a breakthrough performance abroad. Also joining the fray are Lois Kaye Go, Martina Miñoza, Velinda Castil, Gretchen Villacencio, Annika Cedo, Marvi Monsalve and Rev Alcantara, all eager to contribute to a potential milestone moment for Philippine women’s golf.
Gri ins claw back to stun Protectors, keep slim hopes alive
VNS finally broke through the hard way, surviving a late scare from Alpha Insurance to carve out a come-from-behind 19-25, 2515, 25-22, 26-24 victory and revive its slim semifinal hopes in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena. The win ended the Griffins’ fourgame skid, but they now face a mustwin stretch in their remaining matches against FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws and PGJC-Navy Sealions to stay in contention for a semis berth.
“Naghirap naman kami – nag-training talaga kami for the game. Breaks of the game lang talaga, maganda ‘yung ginalaw ng mga bata,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo, lauding his players’ effort and resilience.
The Griffins had to dig deep late in the fourth set as the Protectors mounted a furious rally, erasing what was once a comfortable 22-16 cushion. Jerome Lopez capped a blistering 5-0 Alpha Insurance run with a clever 1-2 play that trimmed the gap to just one, 21-22, putting VNS under pressure. Noy Pedrosa answered with a thunder-
Eala heads to Macau tilt after SEAG campaign
By Peter Atencio
ous cross-court hit, and a costly attack error by Barbie San Andres handed the Griffins match point at 24-22. Pedrosa, however, fouled up on the service line and Vince Himzon came up with a clutch block moments later to tie the game at 24. Fortunately for VNS, Rommelito Baptista’s service error gave them another chance, and RK Medino capitalized with a decisive push to seal the win – and with it, a flicker of hope in their semis chase.
“Kahapon nagkaroon kami ng session about growth and mindset – na every time na nasa training or game, they need to learn and have feedback and response para tuloy-tuloy ‘yung growth nila,” added Ocampo. Pedrosa led the Griffins with 17 points and six excellent digs, while Medino and Axel Book chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively. John Diwa added nine markers, while Bembem Bautista and Andreii Bakil contributed eight and seven markers, re spectively. Libero Howard Guerra anchored the floor defense with 22 excellent digs, while Joshua Cruz had 13 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
The 20-year-old Eala
“Mai”
and Luksika “Ruangkhaw” Thararudee. Then, there’s Indonesia’s own rising star Janice Tjen, who ousted Eala in the 2025 Sao Paolo Open quarterfinals and eventually came out as the tournament’s runner-up. Tjen is the second highestranked player in the games next to Eala at no. 82. She will team up with Priska Madelyn Nugroho, Eala’s former junior doubles’ partner, now at no. 207.
PFF denies fund misuse, a irms transparency
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) on Tuesday rejected allegations of financial misconduct ahead of the country’s hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, saying it operates under strict auditing and transparency standards.
In a statement, the PFF said it “takes with utmost diligence any matter involving the use of public funds and the integrity of its financial operations,” noting that all programs and expenditures are reviewed by its internal auditors and by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The federation said it has also engaged an independent auditing firm to verify receipts and disbursements linked to the World Cup, which the Philippines will host next year — the first FIFA World Cup event to be staged in the country.
“Serious public accusations made without factual basis or credible evidence are reckless, malicious, and irresponsible,” the PFF said, adding that such claims could harm the reputation of both the federation and the PSC.
The PFF said the timing of the allegations, coming as the organization and the local organizing committee finalize tournament preparations, undermines the efforts of those involved in staging the event. The federation expressed gratitude to the PSC for its financial, logistical, and policy support, calling the partnership essential to the success of the World Cup.
Reaffirming its commitment to “transparency, good governance, and accountability,” the PFF said it remains focused on delivering a world-class tournament and promoting the growth of football and futsal in the country.
It added that it “reserves the right to consider all legal remedies” to address defamatory or baseless claims made against its officers and partners.
VNS Gri n John Diwa is about to smash one in.
Daniella Uy
Mark Arzola, shown here driving to the basket, led the Bullpups with 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting and seven assists.
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
SM Investments’ income rose to P64.4b in 3 quarters
By Darwin G. Amojelar
SM Investments Corp. said Wednesday its consolidated net income rose 6 percent in the first nine months of 2025 to P64.4 billion from P60.9 billion in the same period last year, despite challenges from adverse weather.
Consolidated revenues for the conglomerate, which has interests in retail, property and banking, increased 4 percent to P482.3 billion from P462.5 billion a year ago.
Shell Pilipinas studies move to recoup P4b in taxes
By Alena Mae S. Flores
SHELL Pilipinas Corp. (SHLPH) is studying legal actions to recover over P4 billion in taxes it paid under protest to the government for past alkylate importations, the company said after the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) en banc affirmed that alkylate is not subject to excise tax.
The CTA en banc decision, dated Nov. 5, 2025, denied consolidated petitions for review filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR), upholding an earlier ruling by the CTA Special Second Division.
The division had invalidated CIR Document No. M-059-2012 and a related letter from the Collector of Customs of the Port of Batangas, which sought to impose taxes on SHLPH’s alkylate importations.
“The CTA en banc decision affirms SHLPH’s position that alkylate is not subject to excise tax. Once the Decision becomes final, SHLPH will consider the necessary legal actions to recover amounts previously paid to the government under protest for its past alkylate importations,” the second-biggest oil company in the Philippines said in a stock exchange disclosure Wednesday.
The CTA rulings prohibit the government from collecting excise taxes and value-added tax on Shell’s alkylate importations. Shell, which imported alkylate as a blending component for unleaded gasoline, remitted over P4 billion under protest as of 2023, covering alleged excise taxes and VAT on fuel blending components used in its refinery from 2014 to 2020.
The company is said it is no longer importing alkylate.
“The third-quarter performance remained within our expectations. Despite the challenges brought about by adverse weather and flooding, we continued to see resilient financial
performance across our businesses,” said SM Investments president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio.
“While external factors may temper overall economic growth, we maintain an optimistic outlook as we move into the fourth quarter,” he said.
Banking accounted for the largest share of SM Investments’ net income at 50 percent, followed by property
at 28 percent, retail at 15 percent and portfolio investments at 7 percent.
BDO Unibank Inc. reported a net income of P63.1 billion, a 4-percent increase from P60.6 billion last year, on sustained performance of its core business segments. Net interest income grew 8 percent as gross customer loans climbed 14 percent to P3.5 trillion. Deposits expanded 10 percent.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. reported a nine-month profit of P37.2 billion, up 10 percent from P33.9 billion a year earlier. This growth was led by higher contributions from the mall and convention center segments. Total revenues for SM Prime rose 4 percent to P103.4 billion from P99.8 billion. Mall revenues accounted for 59 percent of the total, increasing 7 percent to P61 billion.
By Othel V. Campos
THE IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said Wednesday its member companies operate in full compliance with all Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulations, circulars and labor advisories even during extraordinary events like typhoons and other natural calamities.
IBPAP said that during the recent weather disturbance, member companies activated their business continuity plans to guarantee employee safety while maintaining essential op-
erations for their global clients.
Worker welfare remains at the heart of this industry, IBPAP said in a statement, noting that member companies balance safety and compliance with operational resilience.
The group welcomed inspections by DOLE and other regulatory authorities to demonstrate established compliance measures and internal safety guidelines.
Although the Office of the Presient’s memorandum on work and class suspensions left decisions for private sector work to employers’ discretion, IBPAP members contin-
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expects to cut construction costs for its farm-to-market road (FMR) program by at least 20 percent when it assumes control of the project in 2026, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. It said the efficiency measures, which include streamlined management and the adoption of new technologies like soil stabilizers, are projected to reduce the cost of a 2-lane concrete FMR to P12 million or less from the current P15 million.
The announcement comes as the House of Representatives doubled the
ued operations while prioritizing the health and welfare of their employees, the group said. Companies provided additional support and conveniences for staff who opted to work onsite, it said.
Flexible arrangements, including remote work, were offered depending on employee preference and prevailing conditions.
IBPAP said it has long advocated for work flexibility and telecommuting, promoting hybrid work arrangements since 2021 as a sustainable model for productivity and employee welfare.
proposed 2026 FMR budget to P32 billion, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to realign flood-control funds toward agricultural infrastructure.
The initial proposal was P16 billion. With the expanded budget and expected savings, the DA aims to build around 2,000 kilometers of rural roads.
Tiu Laurel said the cost savings would be used to “build more roads, helping farmers and fisherfolk cut production costs, reach markets faster, earn more and ultimately lower food prices.” Othel V. Campos
By Thony Rose
but also the stronger awareness among Filipinos on the value of financial protection,” said Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado.
Insurance penetration, or the ratio of premiums to gross domestic product, climbed to 1.85 percent in the third quarter of 2025. Insurance density, or the ratio of total premiums to
13,
Bloomberry’s net loss widened to P1.7b on lower gaming revenues
HOTEL and casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. on Wednesday reported a wider net loss of P1.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025 compared to P470.2-million loss in the same period last year on softer gaming volumes and higher operating expenses.
Gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the third quarter fell 10 percent to P14.6 billion from P16.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024, as weakness persisted in the VIP and premium mass segments, the company said in a stock exchange disclosure.
Consolidated non-gaming and other revenue, however, rose 21 percent to P3.3 billion from P2.8 billion, supported by growth from Solaire Entertainment City, Solaire North and a modest contribution from Jeju Sun.
Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. said the third quarter mirrored the first half of 2025. “Our consolidated EBITDA declined due to ongoing softness in international high roller activity and increased expenses from the rollout of our online gaming services,” Razon said.
He said the local market remained robust, evidenced by the performance of Solaire North which focuses on the domestic mass market. Gaming and resort revenues at Solaire North rose by 25 percent and 58 percent year-onyear, respectively.
Razon also mentioned that the ramp-up of the online gaming platform MegaFUNalo is progressing, although at a slower pace than anticipated, despite regulatory uncertainties. It plans to launch new content in the coming weeks.
For the nine-month period, net income stood at P160.1 million, sharply lower than P3.5 billion in 2024, as consolidated GGR was nearly flat at P45.7 billion.
Bloomberry announced in October it found a buyer for its struggling South Korean hotel and casino business.
The company’s indirect subsidiary, Golden and Luxury Co. Ltd. (G&L), signed a share purchase agreement with Gangwon Blue Mountain Co. Ltd. Under the deal, G&L will first spin off its casino operations into a new company, which will then be sold to Gangwon Blue Mountain. The South Korean operations include the Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino on Jeju Island. Jenniffer B. Austria
Alliance Global’s 9-month net income increases 24%
By Jenniffer B. Austria
CONGLOMERATE Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) on Wednesday reported a 24-percent yearon-year increase in net income to P24.8 billion in the first nine months of 2025, buoyed by the strong performance of its property unit and a one-time gain.
Excluding a P3.4-billion one-time gain from the deconsolidation of its quick service restaurant business, Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC), AGI’s core net income still grew 10 percent to P21.2 billion. The conglomerate retains a 49-percent stake in GADC.
The core growth was led by strong
WATER TANKS. To help address the water shortage in areas severely affected by Typhoon Tino across the province of Cebu, Vivant Water and Vivant Foundation mobilize tankers carrying desalinated water from its Isla Mactan Desalination Plant for distribution in Cebu City, Lapu Lapu City, Danao City, Liloan, Talisay and Mandaue City.
WE CANNOT blame some stock market pundits and investors for being bearish on Philippine stocks with what has happened in the past four months.
Congressional hearings on flood control anomalies and admissions of corruption and payoffs that also involved some lawmakers put a dent on market sentiments and sparked calls for resignation of public officials.
The stock market has already lost nearly 14 percent of its value since the start of 2025 and over 17 percent year-on-year as of Nov. 11, 2025.
The economy bore the brunt of the flood control scandals. Per the account of Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, the economy grew slower in the third quarter of 2025 as a result of the flood control anomalies and projects that were delayed, questioned, or paused due to procurement and governance issues.
The controversy led to underspending in certain pockets, slower project execution and a drag on construction and related services.
“The Philippine economy continues to grow, but the third quarter’s performance reminds us of the urgent need to address key challenges and strengthen our foundations for rapid, sustained and inclusive growth,” said Balisacan.
The Philippine economy grew 4.0 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, the slowest in nearly five years amid the disruption in public works caused by the flood-control controversy.
The growth was the weakest since the gross
performance in office and mall rentals, steady residential contributions and the resilience of its hospitality segment. Consolidated revenue rose 8 percent to P64.4 billion, supported by robust office, mall, hotel and residential revenues.
AGI president and chief executive Kevin Tan attributed the performance
to the group’s diversified business portfolio and product mix.
“AGI’s robust performance in the first three quarters of the year is largely due to our diversified business portfolio and product mix. During the period, we saw a sequential improvement in office and mall rentals and steady contribution from our residential and hospitality segments,” Tan said.
Tan also noted that ongoing cost management efforts across the business provided an “added lift in group earnings and margins.”
AGI’s property unit, Megaworld Corp., remained the biggest contributor, with its net income rising 16 percent to P15.9 billion from P13.7 billion last year.
Peso hits new all-time low of 59.17 vs. dollar
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Philippine peso closed at a new record low of 59.170 against the US dollar on Wednesday, eclipsing the previous record of 59.130 set on Oct. 28, 2025. The peso depreciated from 58.985 against the greenback on Tuesday. Despite the peso’s continued weakness, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rebounded to close at 5,714.02, up 1.51 percent or 84.95 points.
“The PSEi rebounded today as investors engaged in bargain hunting after several days of heavy selling,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.
“The recovery came despite the peso weakening to the P59/$ level again, reflecting continued external pressure.”
Limlingan added that sentiment improved slightly as traders sought short-term gains amid oversold market conditions.
The local market saw 102 gainers and 86 decliners, with 50 stocks unchanged. Value turnover reached P5.31 billion, net of extraordinary block sales.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael Ricafort noted the PSEi’s higher correction was due to some bargain-hunting after three consecutive days of decline. However, he added, the index is “still among the lowest in more than five years or since May 28, 2020.”
Equities rose in Asia on Wednesday as the US shutdown nears an end and after fresh jobs data boosted the chances of a third successive Federal Reserve interest rate cut.
Bearish sentiments drowning the green shoots
domestic product (GDP) shrank 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2021. It was slower than the 5.5-percent expansion in the second quarter and 5.2-percent growth in the third quarter of 2024.
There was a sharp contraction in public construction in third quarter due to stricter validation measures for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) civil works and the implementation of stricter requirements that delayed billings and disbursements for government projects.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go acknowledged the slack in the pace of public construction but remains pragmatic about it. His office considers it a reminder that growth is not just about appropriations—it’s about execution.
“When red flags appear, authorities must investigate. But the response cannot be paralysis. The faster we separate the good projects from the questionable, the quicker we restore momentum without compromising accountability,” a statement from Go’s office read.
Mr. Go prefers to be rosy about the prospects of the economy, rather than gloss over the nonproductive political noise.
He cited the case of the P50.7-billion expansion project of Samsung ElectroMechanics Philippines Corp. (SEMPHIL), the first company to secure presidential incentives under the CREATE MORE Act (Republic Act 12066).
The expansion will establish a new hightechnology manufacturing facility for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs).
—“—
The economy bore the brunt of the flood control scandals.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd. (SEMCO) executives on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Summit in South Korea from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
“This is a direct outcome of this administration’s landmark policy reforms. It sends a strong message to the global business community: the Philippines is ready for hightechnology, world-class industries,” says Go.
The expansion will establish a new high-tech manufacturing facility in the Calamba Premiere International Park, with commercial operations targeted by July 2027.
Over 3,500 additional high-skill jobs are expected to be created once the facility is fully operational, on top of over 7,000 Filipinos currently employed.
In Go’s own words, a global tech leader is choosing to deepen its Philippine footprint because the incentive regime looks competitive and predictable.
Also lost in the tide of pessimistic investor sentiments is the public listing of Maynilad Water Services Inc. at the Philippine Stock Exchange, with President Marcos witnessing the milestone.
“That’s not just a ceremonial photo-op; it’s a vote of confidence in Philippine capital markets
and a bet on essential infrastructure where longterm investors typically park serious money,” says Go’s office. Public investments, meanwhile, will continue to pump-prime the economy. President Marcos has ordered the release of P1.307 trillion in programmed funds for the fourth quarter of 2025 and directed agencies to fully utilize the budget through targeted, efficient spending to support growth.
It is common knowledge that government spending has a multiplier effect. Each peso deployed can generate more than a peso in economic activity.
A road project, for instance, doesn’t just employ construction workers. It triggers demand for cement, rebar, fuel, equipment rentals and logistics. Wages turn into purchases at local sari-sari stores, tuition payments and transport fares. Suppliers ramp up production and hire more people. The ripple moves outward. The key is fiscal credibility: Releasing budgeted funds on schedule—with a mandate for targeted, efficient use—signals the state will not starve the economy of needed demand. When a tech giant signals fresh bets, when a core utility goes to the stock market and when government commits over a trillion pesos to time-bound, targeted outlays, investors notice. Go believes the hum of confidence could grow into tomorrow’s sustained, inclusive growth. Like the green shoots that the stock market is brushing aside.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
GLOBE FAIR. Merchant displays from Globe’s G Fair 2025 at the BGC Amphitheater. With the theme, ‘Building Local Businesses. Strengthening Community,’ the G Fair served as a dynamic platform where the grit and creativity of local entrepreneurs took center stage.
BUSINESS
DMCI Power plans
second 15-MW coal plant in Palawan
By Alena Mae S. Flores
DMCI Power Corp. is proposing to build an additional 15-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-biomass fired power plant in Narra, Palawan. The project is estimated to cost P3 billion and aims to meet the province’s growing power demand.
In its submission to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DMCI Power said the proposed coal-biomass plant will be located adjacent to the existing 15-MW facility in the same area.
The proposed 15-MW plant (Phase 2) is a key component of the company’s contractual obligations with the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), which has reported increasing demand surpassing the
ensure its full compliance with its contractual obligation with PALECO, DPC has to expeditiously undertake the construction and operation of this additional 15-MW Coal-Biomass project in Narra, Palawan.”
The company added that the project “will further enhance Palawan’s energy security, thereby, meeting the significantly increasing power demand of its member-consumerowners (MCOs).”
combined capacity of independent power producers (IPPs) on the island.
“Without power supply buffer, this concern tends to worsen during the scheduled shutdown of the IPPs as part of the operational maintenance causing rotational brownouts,” DMCI Power said. “To help address the power supply challenges and
DITO, InfiniVAN team up to boost PH digital infra
DITO
Telecommunity Corp. has signed a Master Facilities Provisioning Agreement (MFPA) with InfiniVAN Inc. to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure by improving network resilience, widening coverage, and increasing capacity.
Structured as a strategic fiber-sharing partnership, the agreement allows both companies to optimize existing assets and ensure more efficient and reliable service delivery nationwide.
“This is not just a partnership of infrastructure, but a partnership of purpose — one that supports our shared commitment to advancing digital connectivity across the country,” said Eric Alberto, president and chief executive of DITO Telecommunity. “Together, we are fortifying the digital backbone that will empower Filipino communities, businesses and the entire nation.”
This collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to advancing the Philippines’ digital ecosystem, promoting sustainable growth, and supporting the increasing demand for robust and secure connectivity for businesses and communities alike.
Last year, DITO and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. also signed an MFPA allowing them to share select terrestrial and submarine fiber optic cable assets.
DITO Telecommunity recently secured its fourth consecutive title as the number one Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines, according to the latest data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence.
This “four-peat” victory is based on Ookla data collected from January to June 2025. DITO posted a dominant overall score of 3.5, successfully outpacing its main rivals, Smart (3.3) and Globe (3.2). This consistent performance underscores DITO’s dedication to providing world-class connectivity and service excellence across the archipelago.
Darwin G. Amojelar
and
DMCI Power’s plan to stabilize the energy supply is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE granted a Certificate of Confirmation of Exemption from the coal moratorium for the project on May 31, 2024, and also issued a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CENS No. 2024-08-0034) on Aug. 19, 2024.
DMCI Power began its power generation operations in Palawan in 2013. It currently operates diesel power plants in the municipalities of Puerto Princesa, Brookes Point, and Quezon, as well as bunker power plants in Aborlan, Palawan, and the existing coal-biomass power plant in Narra, Palawan.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is enhancing the country’s disaster response by financing calamity funds to ensure the rapid delivery of relief and the immediate rehabilitation of communities affected by recent earthquakes and typhoons.
“It is important that the government always has funds ready for immediate response to emergencies,” said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
“As the national fundraiser, we assure the DOF that we have sufficient funds and capabilities to immediately address the needs of every Filipino in times of calamity.”
As of Nov. 9, the national government has already released
billion under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF). The NDRRMF is appropriated annually to support disaster risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness activities, as well as immediate aid, relief, and rehabilitation services after a calamity. The national government also annually sets aside resources for the Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the national budget, allocating them to key government agencies as a standby fund for the rehabilitation and recovery of communities affected by calamities and other national emergencies.
As of Nov. 10, the national government has released P13.96
LGU-FUNDED MRI. Bulacan province inaugurates the Philippines’ first locally funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the Bulacan Medical Center, setting a precedent for accessible and modern diagnostics delivered by local government units (LGUs). The new open MRI system, powered by global innovator Time Medical Systems, marks a significant step toward universal healthcare in the country by making world-class
billion under the QRF, including continuing appropriations from 2024.
The latest QRF release in November totaled P1.68 billion to support immediate relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts across regions affected by the onslaught of recent earthquakes and Typhoon Tino and Supertyphoon Uwan.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will receive the bulk, P1 billion, to strengthen its recovery and rehabilitation programs in regions affected by African swine fever and the recent tropical cyclones. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive P631.03 million and P53.01 million, respectively.
The DSWD will use its funds to provide family food packs, nonfood essentials, relief goods, and emergency cash transfers to 58,962 families.
REPOWER Energy Development Corp.
(REDC) said on Wednesday that its net income rose 110 percent in the first nine months of the year to P226.1 million, up from P107.7 million in the same period a year ago.
REDC disclosed to the stock exchange that its board reviewed and approved the company’s financial performance for the nine-month and third-quarter periods of 2025.
REDC reported revenues of P526.7 million for the three quarters, a 33 percent increase from P396.6 million in the same period of 2024.
For the third quarter alone, REDC said its net income soared to P74 million, compared to P11 million in the same period in 2024. Revenues reached P167 million, up 43 percent year-on-year.
“The strong results stemmed from better weather conditions, adherence to standard operating procedures, leading in turn to higher operational efficiency in its existing hydropower plants and tighter overhead cost
control,” the company said.
REDC said its board also approved the declaration of a cash dividend of P0.08 per share to all stockholders of record as of Dec. 11, 2025. Dividend payment will be made on Jan. 12, 2026.
The dividend will be paid out of unrestricted retained earnings and available cash as shown in the audited financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.
“This reflects REDC’s stronger earnings capacity and its continuing commitment to provide regular shareholder returns,” the company said.
REDC is a subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corp., an investment holding company that engages primarily in renewable energy generation and water system management and distribution.
REDC has eight hydropower plants with a total capacity of 17.3 megawatts (MW). These plants include the Tibag, Inarihan, Upper Labayat, Lower Labayat, Calibato, Majayjay, Palakpakin, and Balugbog mini hydro projects. Alena Mae S. Flores
WATERSHED REHABILITATION. Boracay Water, along with its partners, successfully completes the reforestation
rehabilitation of its 20-hectare adopted area within the Nabaoy Watershed under
By Jenniffer B. Austria
By Alena Mae S. Flores
SHELL Energy Philippines Inc.
(SEPH) said it signed a 15-year power supply agreement (PSA) with Greenlight Renewables Holdings Inc. to purchase the entire output of the 120-megawatt peak (MWp) San Isidro Solar Power Project in Leyte. The agreement, which marks the first PSA for Greenlight since its establishment, will strengthen SEPH’s clean energy portfolio and advance the Philippines’ broader decarbonization efforts. Commercial operations for Phase 1 are targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Greenlight, a joint venture between Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) and Shell Overseas Investments B.V. (SOIBV), develops, owns and operates largescale renewable energy projects in the country. The power will be supplied through Greenlight’s wholly-owned subsidiary San Isidro Solar Power Corp. The 120-MWp Phase 1 of the Leyte solar farm is undergoing testing and commissioning and is already supplying energy to the grid.
SEPH, the registered retail electricity supplier of the Shell companies in the Philippines, intends to sell the solar-generated electricity to its commercial and industrial customers. EPI serves as the clean energy arm of Nickel Asia Corporation.
By Othel V. Campos
VIETNAMESE automaker VinFast has launched an industry-first residual value guarantee (RVG) program in the Philippines to assure electric vehicle (EV) buyers of strong long-term value retention while encouraging greater adoption of green mobility. Under the initiative, VinFast guarantees to buy back vehicles at up to 90 percent of their original value within the first six months to one year of use, 80 percent after two years and 70 percent after three years, subject to inspection and eligibility. The plan applies across VinFast’s full EV lineup in the Philippines, from the compact VF 3 to the flagship VF 9, and is available to all new customers.
“If you’re buying a car and used to
P7.8 billion.
Residential revenues rose 5 percent year-on-year to P12.51 billion on higher project completions steady collections and demand for ready-foroccupancy (RFO) units.
Office rental revenues grew 5 percent year-on-year to P3.68 billion, supported by new tenant sign-ups and higher occupancy, bringing total occupied gross leasable area to 419,481 square meters.
Retail leasing revenues and other
income increased 9 percent year-onyear to P2.01 billion, led by the strong performance of Festival Mall and improving occupancy across regional malls, including Il Corso in Cebu Main Square in Bacoor and Filinvest Malls Dumaguete.
More than 8,000 square meters of new tenant space became operational, while more than 12,000 square meters were newly leased in the third quarter.
FLI’s industrial business generated P385 million in revenues in the first nine months of 2025, consisting of P357 million from industrial lot sales and P28 million from rentals of ready-built factory units.
Jenniffer B. Austria
The robust performance was underpinned by an 11.5-percent jump in consolidated revenues to P182.9 billion, led by sustained revenue growth across all major business segments. This indicates recovering consumer demand amidst prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
The group’s performance benefited from strong operating results primarily from its grocery retailing and liquor distribution segments.
The grocery retailing businesses, Puregold Price Club Inc. and S&R Membership Shopping Club, contributed 68 percent of total net income, followed by the liquor distribution segment with 22 percent, commercial real estate with 8 percent and energy and minerals and specialty retail making up the remaining 2 percent.
The grocery retail segment grew consolidated revenues to P168 billion in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 10.6-percent growth over the P151.9 billion recorded last year.
The enterprise experienced positive same-store sales growth (SSSG) with
THE Philippines has launched the country’s first parametric insurance solution for small-scale fishers, a partnership between the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), global conservation organization Rare and Willis, a WTW business.
The solution is designed to protect the livelihoods of 14,200 small-scale fishers across 24 coastal municipalities in the Philippines by mitigating income losses resulting from adverse weather conditions that prevent safe nearshore fishing, WTW said in a statement.
The insurance offers coverage of
worry about depreciation, you worry no more. We want to give Filipinos the confidence to try electric vehicles,” said VinFast Southeast Asia chief executive Antonio Zara during the launch on Wednesday in Bonifacio Global City.
Zara said the program directly addresses common concerns about owning EVs such as reliability, flood safety and access to charging infrastructure.
“This program is not a promo - it’s part of rewriting the rules of vehicle ownership in the Philippines. It’s our way of showing that we stand by our products,” he said.
The RVG program officially rolled out on Oct. 20, 2025, covering all vehicles sold nationwide through the company’s 20 dealerships, which are expected to reach 30 by 2026.
up to $100 per policy cycle to offset income loss from dangerous weather, expanding livelihood protections for a national priority of the Government of the Philippines.
BFAR will serve as the policyholder for the pilot program, offering coverage as a benefit for fisher registration and commitment to sustainable fishing practices. The agency allocated budget funds to cover the premium costs for the pilot, demonstrating government support for innovative climate risk approaches.
BFAR technical working group lead on parametric insurance Roy Ortega said, “This is not just insurance, it is
an investment in our fishers. We’re protecting those who protect our seas.”
The new insurance solution uses a weather index based on wind speed sea state and rainfall to determine payout eligibility, ensuring timely and direct compensation when fishing days are lost.
Willis head of APAC climate risk center Christopher Au said that “with over 1.9 million registered smallscale fishers relying on the nearshore for their livelihoods, the impacts of climate change, such as high winds rough seas and heavy rainfall, pose increasing risks to their safety and income.”
Stores recording 4.8 percent on higher traffic and basket size and S&R Warehouse clubs posting 5.4 percent on higher traffic.
Consolidated net income for the grocery retail group increased by 5.6 percent to P7.3 billion, a result of the strong topline growth complemented by a slight increase in gross margins.
The liquor distribution business, The Keepers Holdings Inc., recorded consolidated revenue of P13.4 billion, a 14.4-percent growth compared to the previous year. This was achieved on the back of a 16-percent growth in the volume of cases sold. The strong sales performance stemmed principally from Alfonso, the leading imported brandy in the market, which surpassed its prepandemic levels. Net income for the liquor segment saw a 12-percent increase to P2.43 billion, resulting from the imported brandy segment’s performance, supported by a premiumizing market and an on-premise channel rebound.
Shown
Citi
head
Gupte, flanked by the country management team for Citi Philippines
Day. With Gupte are (from left) Monina Chua, Robert Blas, JV Fulgencio, Dino De Jesus, Citi Philippines chief executive and banking head Paul Favila, Sylvia Wijaya, Wilmer Bautista, Don Rances and Dorski Granada.
VinaFast Philippines executives led by chief executive for Southeast Asia Antonio Zara (second from left) and VinFast Philippines communications director Nora Liquido (fourth from left) attend the launch of the buy-back back initiative in Taguig City.
Puregold
of China’s
FXVC to bring advanced trading ecosystem to PH
By Michael Wong Ho
FXVC, a Hong Kong-headquartered venture capital community affiliated with FXVC Fintech Ltd., announced plans to expand to the Philippines in 2026.
The platform enables investors to track and follow the strategies of outstanding traders to achieve stable wealth growth through a simple oneclick operation.
Guided by its core vision of “Achieving self-fulfillment through helping others, win-win cooperation,” FXVC launched its mobile app on Feb. 28, 2025, on both Android and iOS platforms.
Jin Jiang associations induct new leaders
THE Philippine Jin Jiang General Association Inc. Negros Occidental Chapter and The Philippine Jin Jiang Chamber of Commerce Inc. Negros Occidental Chapter held their officers induction ceremony at SMX Bacolod on Oct. 26, 2025.
Li Fu De was re-elected as the chairman.
He highlighted the admirable virtues of the Filipino people—kindness, simplicity and a love for life and reflected on the shared history of Filipino Chinese ancestors who settled in the Philippines centuries ago. He said this enduring friendship and cooperation have been vital in overcoming numerous challenges.
Li urged members to inherit their ancestors’ good traditions, pursue lawful and ethical business practices and actively give back to society.
Adviser Hong Zonghua served as chairman of the assembly. He expressed gratitude to all the guests present and reflected on the chapter’s past achievements and development.
He also encouraged the new leadership team to build on their success and continue fostering growth and unity within the organization.
PJJGAI/PJCCI president Wang Songling. served as a inducting officer during the event. He said that since its founding in 1993, the Philippine Jin Jiang General Association Inc. has grown into a large family under the guidance of its past presidents.
The organization now consists of eight chapters, two organizing committees and over 150 members nationwide, uniting Filipino Chinese from Jin Jiang hometown and beyond.
PJJGAI honorary chairman Charles Chen served as the guest speaker. Chen conveyed that the name “Jin Jiang” represents more than geographic origin; it embodies blood ties, a spirit of relentless self-improvement, and a reputable brand. Michael Wong Ho
The app features five carefully selected signal sources, allowing investors to copy trading strategies seamlessly. Users can select from high-quality strategies and connect effortlessly to MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.
FXVC’s unique closed account feature ensures that investment strategies are implemented consistently.
The platform provides real-time market data, a financial calenda, and an innovative multi-level marketing mechanism. Regular trading technology summits are held to connect industry resources and foster a vibrant trading community.
Committed to supporting inves-
tors, FXVC also offers venture capital funding and comprehensive, all-inone community services, creating a smart and high-quality trading environment that integrates cutting-edge technology, market insights and excellent service.
Following a year of successful operation, FXVC plans to bring its advanced trading ecosystem to the Philippines.
“We are looking for a local partner the Philippines. We will send our technical team to conduct seminars and trainings, and provide more investment opportunities for our clients,” according to a marketing manager of FXVC.
China Desk launched in Binondo
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Manila Police District (MPD launched the China Desk, a new Philippine-China police cooperation platform, at Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza in Binondo on Oct. 28, 2025.
Assistant Minister of China’s Public Security Liu Zhongyi, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, (PAOCC) executive-director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Manila Police District (MPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad, Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim and other leaders of the Filipino Chinese community were present during the event.
Abad said the establishment of the China Desk exemplifies the MPD’s “Service Promise.”
He said the desk aims to serve as a strong communication bridge for Chinese citizens, the Filipino Chinese community and the Philippine police.
The China Desk will be staffed with officers fluent in both English and Chinese, providing rapid response and timely assistance to Filipino Chinese community.
Abad said the initiative seeks to eliminate fear and misunderstandings, break communication barriers and foster police-community trust to ensure that all residents, regardless of nationality, culture, or language, can live peacefully in Manila.
Acorda said the China Desk would function as a vital platform for interagency coordination and joint law enforcement efforts.
Chinatown TV wins influential media award
CHINATOWN TV won the award for “The Most Influential Filipino Chinese Media Broadcasting Company” during the 3rd Asian Pillars Award ceremony at Okada Hotel in Paranaque City.
Chinatown TV president Lolita Ching was also honored with the accolade for “the Leading TV and Events Producer with Outstanding Influence in the Filipino Chinese Community.”
Founded in 2001 by Ching, Chinatown TV has become a premier media platform in the Philippines, producing and broadcasting programs in Mandarin, English, Tagalog and Min Nan dialects.
In 2017, she established the Philippine China News Channel.
Chinatown TV is recognized as the exclusive comprehensive TV station dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese culture and fostering friendship between the Philippines and China.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinatown TV responded actively to the appeal of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.
The channel reported numerous stories highlighting the cooperation between Filipino and Chinese communities, showcasing their unity and joint efforts in fighting against COVID-19. Michael Wong Ho
The desk aims to serve as a strong communication bridge for Chinese citizens, the Filipino Chinese community and the Philippine police.
He said it would strengthen cooperation mechanisms between the Philippines and China, particularly in fighting transnational crimes such as human trafficking, online scams, and money laundering.
Acorda also expressed appreciation for the Filipino Chinese community’s longstanding support and contributions. Representatives from China and the Philippines signed a “Promise and Support Oath,” symbolizing their collective commitment to maintaining peace, justice and a secure, inclusive society.
The oath emphasizes collaboration through open dialogue, information sharing and community cooperation to uphold trust and social harmony in the country.
Filipino-Chinese players showcase badminton talent
THE Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) hosted its annual interschool badminton tournament at Centro Athletico Badminton Center in Quezon City on Oct. 26, 2025. More than 100 players from 17 Filipino Chinese schools in Metro Manila participated in the competition. FCAAF executive vice president William Castro encouraged the young athletes
to balance their sports and academic pursuits.
He said the federation would select outstanding players to represent the country in future training programs abroad.
Next year, these players will have the opportunity to receive world-class training in Xiamen City, China.
Badminton, originally developed as a leisure activity by British soldiers in the 1870s, became an official Olympic sport
in 1992.
Today, it remains a popular sport in the Philippines.
Filipino player Amparo “Weena” Lim performed exceptionally well at the 1996 Olympic Games, bringing honor to the country.
Castro urged the young athletes to work hard and aspire to become the next Lim, potentially competing in the Olympic Games themselves.
Julie Ann Lope
Filipino-Chinese groups hold Tondo medical mission
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), in cooperation with the Filipino Chinese New Market Fire Association, held a medical and dental mission in Tondo, Manila, on Oct. 26, 2025.
The event was organized to provide free healthcare services to the local community.
The FFCCCII free medication team, composed of five doctors and six dentists, attended to 788 patients on-site.
The dental team performed tooth extractions for 73 patients, while 200 pairs of reading glasses were distributed to those in need.
Overall, the outreach benefited 1,061 individuals.
FFCCCII vice president William Yap Castro also distributed Gibi sports shoes to the patients.
The Filipino Chinese New Market Federation and Fire Association donated 1,000 bags of rice to support community welfare efforts. Julie Ann Lope
Assistant Minister
Public Security Liu Zhongyi, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, (PAOCC) executive director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Manila Police District (MPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim and other leaders of the Filipino Chinese community attend launch the China Desk, a new Philippine-China police cooperation platform at Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza in Binondo on Oct. 28, 2025.
—Manila Police District (MPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad
Chinatown TV president Lolita Ching is recognized as ‘the Leading TV and Events Producer with Outstanding Influence in the Filipino Chinese Community.’
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), in cooperation with the Filipino Chinese New Market Fire Association, holds a medical and dental mission in Tondo, Manila, on Oct. 26, 2025.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
BALITANGHALI , GMA Integrated News’ flagship midday program, turned 20 this November, cementing its status as the country’s longest-running noon-time newscast on free television.
Launched on Nov. 11, 2005, the program has long been positioned as the “News Authority sa Tanghali,” serving millions who rely on credible, accurate, and useful information at the height of their day. For viewers, it has been a dependable “kasalo” for two decades, delivering the latest reports as stories unfold.
Anchors Connie Sison and Raffy Tima lead the program’s daily coverage, steering audiences through major developments
the everyday realities they experience,” Connie said. “We shine a light on the stories and issues that matter most to ordinary Filipinos, presenting every angle so our viewers can form their own well-informed opinions.”
Raffy noted the program’s push for agility and depth. “Balitanghali has always been at the forefront of breaking news stories. But the newscast has not shied away from investigative, feature, and special reports— always keeping up with the demands of the times and the interests of its viewers. We have also made extensive use of technology, for which GMA Integrated News is well known.” Senior vice president and head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso praised the entire team’s consistency through the years.
Balitanghali ’s two-decade milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of its entire team to journalistic integrity and public service,” he said. “As the News Authority sa Tanghali, Balitanghali embodies the very core of GMA Integrated News: providing credible sources, accurate fact-checking, and information that is truly useful to our viewers.”
Balitanghali ’s history is marked by awards that recognize its reporting and public service. It received multiple Catholic Mass Media Awards for coverage of Bagyong Ulysses and the Taal Volcano eruption; the Gandingan Award for its developmentoriented story “Bantay Kalikasan: Used Face Masks in Batangas Coral Reefs”; several Anak TV Seal Awards for being child-friendly; and the Wind Vane Award from DOST-PAGASA for its role in communicating weather information. Early in its run, it also earned the 1st MTRCB Award for Best News Program.
SHOWBIZ
THE Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is once again working with its pioneer student alumni, this time through a new digital series that brings their stories back to the spotlight.
For many young filmmakers, CinePanalo has been a first step into the Philippine entertainment industry, a place where they can try their ideas and work alongside professionals.
Inside the festival’s student shorts category, they learn quickly that CinePanalo stays with them even after the screenings. The production grants help them get started, but the guidance and chances to work on real projects make the experience feel deeper and more personal.
Two filmmakers who experienced this Dizelle Masilungan and Lloyd —are now behind Puregold Got My Eyes . Their early works
Young storytellers return with a series born from their first wins
caught attention on TikTok’s FYP (For You Pages), and that momentum has led them to create something new for a wider audience.
Puregold senior marketing manager and CinePanalo festival chair
Ivy Hayagan-Piedad spoke about watching their growth.
“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is dedicated to finding the very best young talents that will form the backbone of the industry in years to come,” she said. “Both Dizelle and Lloyd excelled in the first Puregold CinePanalo, and now we’re eager to give them more room to share their stories with audiences via the Puregold Channel.”
Both had their start in CinePanalo’s first student shorts category. Masilungan won Best Director for Kung Nag-aatubili, while Garciano worked as cinematographer on Smokey Journey, a film recognized for its ensemble cast and original score.
Now, Masilungan directs Got My Eyes on You, and Garciano handles cinematography, continuing the creative partnership they began as students.
The series, starring Esteban Mara and Mikoy Morales, follows two luxury resort employees competing for a general manager post. But along the way, their rivalry becomes something deeper, and the story shifts to the challenges of office romance and finding balance in a demanding work environment.
CinePanalo alumni also fill key roles behind the scenes. Editor Jenievive B. Adame, who directed Smokey Journey, returns to work with Garciano again. Anton Acosta, who served as director of photography for Kung Nag-aatubili, now works as one of the series’ editors, continuing the collaborations that began at the festival. For Masilungan and Garciano, being part of this project feels like a natural result of their CinePanalo journey.
“Thank you so much, CinePanalo, for your steadfast belief in emerging
THE 38th Awit Awards, in partnership with youth-driven platform Vibe, will bring together established artists, emerging talents, and fans on Nov. 16 at the Meralco Theater for a night recognizing excellence in Original Pilipino Music.
The annual event, organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) in collaboration with MQuest Ventures, aims to strengthen its legacy of nearly four decades by combining tradition with digital engagement. This year’s show is directed by industry veteran Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan and will include tributes to late OPM artists whose work continues to influence today’s performers.
Filipino storytellers like us and for giving us a platform for sharing our voices,” Masilungan said. “This opportunity is not only an incredible experience but also a huge stepping stone toward achieving my dream of telling stories that matter.” Garciano shared his own gratitude. “Puregold has given us opportunities that are beyond our expectations. This is me speaking on behalf of all the young cinematographers and filmmakers you’ve helped. The opportunities provided here, from showcasing our early work to connecting with known names in our industry, have been invaluable in turning our passion into a profession.”
Puregold CinePanalo recently announced the Top 7 films in its full-length category. Applications for the 2026 student shorts category are open until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 25, through https://tinyurl.com/PCPFFShortsApp. All festival films will screen next year at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas.
Inquiries may be sent to thesecretariat@cinepanalo.com or to the festival’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
“Got My Eyes on You” is now streaming on TikTok @puregoldph, with updates available on the Puregold Channel on
Vibe jocks Dylan Menor, Elijah Canlas, Joao Constancia, Ana Ramsey, Maxie Andreison, Ryle Santiago, Paulo Angeles, Kych Minemoto, and Queenay Mercado will host the ceremony and open the program with a group performance. Vibe ’s Gen V correspondents will handle behindthe-scenes coverage and interviews with nominees.
Performers announced for the night include Ben&Ben, Over October, Lola Amour, and Dionela Awards will be presented across five categories: Performance Awards, Genre Recording Awards, Special Recording Awards, Technical Achievement Awards, and the Grand Awards.
Organizers are introducing a reimagined “Violet Carpet,” an interactive pre-show segment designed to allow fans and artists to meet and share stories. The initiative forms part of Vibe’s effort to expand the awards’ reach and promote year-round engagement with Filipino music.
A panel of judges composed of performers, songwriters, producers, and media professionals will determine the winners using criteria meant to honor artistry, innovation, and influence.
The awards will be broadcast live on TV5 and streamed on the official pages of Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest Ventures, and the Awit Awards.
From left: ‘Vibe’ jocks Queenay Mercado, Dylan Menor, and Elijah Canlas will serve as the hosts of the prestigious 38th Awit Awards event
CinePanalo alumni are living proof that dreams can take center stage, should the right opportunities arrive. (A still from ‘Taympers’ by Naiah Nicole Mendoza)
Very Wang Nickie Wang
Puregold has always been dedicated to finding the best Filipino talents that will form the future of the local entertainment industry (A still from “Uwian” by Vhan Molacruz)
Puregold CinePanalo has produced the likes of Dizelle Masilungan and Lloyd Garciano, who are taking over TikTok through Puregold’s Got My Eyes on You. (A still from ‘Dan, En Pointe’ by Adelbert Abrigonda)
’Balingtanghali’ news anchors Connie Sison (left) and Raffy Tima
By Nickie Wang
AT JUST nine years old, Kryzl Jorge is already turning heads, and not for the reasons you would expect. Wearing a playful outfit and speaking with a soft, confident voice, she introduces her mission with surprising authority: make wellness easier, happier, and more appealing for kids like her.
Known as the “Little CEO,” Kryzl launched Purple Hearts, a lifestyle and wellness brand she built with the support of her parents.
Kryzl’s idea was simple and surprisingly sharp for someone her age: children resist vitamins, so make vitamins they will actually want to take.
“My creativity has helped me build
a brand. I keep picturing things that would be impossible without my parents,” she says.
From that spark came chewable supplements aimed at supporting kids’ growth. “Proper nutrition is the foundation of growth and strength. It’s important for us kids to take the right supplements,” she explains, sitting upright with the seriousness of someone presenting research.
The brand now carries Immuni Boost for immunity, Mighty Boost for physical development, and Smarty Boost for focus—all wrapped in bright, kid-friendly designs.
But Kryzl’s ambitions don’t end with business. Through the Purple Hearts Foundation, she has already donated to nine charities, tackling childhood malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency long before most children learn the meaning of those words.
She is equally at home under the spotlight. Her debut single, “Birthday Love,” which she co-wrote, shows her joy when performing.
“I always find time to do the things I liked as a kid. I am still a kid,” she says, grinning. “I feel different when I’m on stage because I get to show off my vibrant side.”
Balancing school, brand duties, music, and charity work sounds like a full calendar for anyone. Yet, Kryzl credits the guidance she gets from her family.
Small giant’s big dream
‘Little CEO’ Kryzl Jorge leads drive for better kids’ nutrition
By Angelica Villanueva
MASSAGES provide a range of benefits, from relaxation and improved circulation to muscle relief and enhanced skin tone, but experts warn that improper techniques or underlying health issues can turn a soothing session into a health risk.
“Massages are generally safe,” said Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD, of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Makati Medical Center. “Problems can arise when excessive pressure is applied to the wrong areas for prolonged periods. This can reduce circulation or affect nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent damage.”
Risks from vigorous or deep tissue massages, while rare, include bruising, loss of sensation in limbs, fractures, or rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle breakdown releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart and kidneys.
Clients can also pose risks to
therapists. Dr. Tan noted that skin infections or contagious respiratory illnesses, such as colds, flu, tuberculosis, or COVID-19, can be transmitted through close contact.
Experts advise choosing reputable establishments with trained therapists and maintaining good hygiene standards. Disclosing health conditions such as pregnancy, fractures, open wounds, rashes, or other medical issues is essential. “If you feel unwell, it’s better to skip the session,” Dr. Tan said.
Communication during the massage is also crucial. Clients should indicate preferred pressure, areas to avoid, and report discomfort immediately. For pain related to sports injuries or chronic conditions, consulting a physiatrist or physiotherapist may be more effective than a conventional massage.
“Massages are a complementary treatment,” Dr. Tan said. “They do not cure diseases or injuries. Persistent pain should be evaluated by a physician.”
HOLIDAY shoppers will get an early start as Flair Pop-Up, a fashion and lifestyle fair, opens its doors on Nov. 14 to 16 and Nov. 21 to 23 at The Fifth at Rockwell from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The fair gathers more than 160 brands under one roof, including Brown Bag Naturals, Papemelroti, Hooni, Happy Hour, Imono Jewelry, All Glammed Up, Vita, Genchana, The Moon Project, and Papawanda. Food and beverage stalls such as Maison Midori, Lucky Pot, Slide, Bueno Barks, Chino’s Deli, and Johnn Lemon will also serve shoppers throughout the event. Visitors can expect deals across fashion, lifestyle, and food items, along with a range of activities for families and friends. The schedule includes photo sessions, a bauble bar, gift-wrapping stations, and free cocktails.
“They are the ones who know what’s best for me, therefore I always take their advice,” she says. “Additionally, it feels good to be making them proud.” Wellness, creativity, and childhood all blend in her world. And while most nine-year-olds are still figuring out what to do after school, Kryzl is already building something big. And we should take a cue from her vision, because in her eyes, leadership and dreaming big have no age requirement.
Kryzl
takes the stage to share her mission of making wellness fun and accessible for kids
Brand ambassador Rodjun Cruz performs during the Purple Hearts launch event
Kryzl Jorge stands with the Purple Hearts mascots
Jorge
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Jasper Valdez
LSensei Hiroaki Naruse (left) stands with Karada assistant regional manager and Kogao trainer Iku Sumiya, who specializes in Japanese facial massage therapy
AST month, Karada welcomed Manila Standard Lifestyle for an experiential look at its Japanese body therapy approach, one that frames body care not as pampering but as alignment, maintenance, and long-term wellness.
Karada Philippines general manager Hanna Stelton was clear about the distinction.
“We want to be the go-to therapy here in the Philippines, where we not just provide relaxation but also healthier, proper posture and a proper body,” she said. “You don’t go to Karada just because something hurts today. You go to Karada to fix everything, to bring the body back to where it is supposed to be.”
At the heart of Karada’s method is the AP Balance Therapy, a technique developed in Japan that focuses on realigning the atlas (the topmost bone of the spine) and the pelvis, which supports the body’s structure.
When those two points fall out of alignment—often from daily habits like slouching, long screen time, one-sided bag carrying, or stress tension—the body compensates, and discomfort follows.
Before any treatment begins, clients undergo a body assessment. Posture, gait, balance, and areas of stiffness are observed before therapists determine what kind of realignment or stretching is appropriate. This is where Karada sets itself apart.
“We always start with an assessment,” said Karada Philippines operations manager Irma Marcelo, who has been with the brand for over a decade.
“It’s not like everyone comes in and then we just do the same thing. We
Iku Sumiya conducts an AP assessment to check posture and identify areas needing realignment
The therapy that changes how Filipinos care for their bodies
need to know the condition first, and if a treatment isn’t suitable, we say no.
The program has to be tailored.”
Training, too, is tightly controlled.
Therapists undergo hands-on instruction and evaluation led by Karada Philippines regional manager and head trainer Sensei Hiroaki Naruse, who ensures consistency across all branches.
“We never deploy people unless they are fully cleared,” Stelton said.
Karada has also recently introduced Kogao, a Japanese facial contouring therapy based on manual lifting and circulation techniques.
Karada Philippines assistant regional manager and Kogao trainer Iku Sumiya explained its purpose, saying, “Kogao can help everything… especially for the face, like swelling, wrinkles, and sagging. Blood circulation becomes good. It can also help with lifting.”
The Kogao method reflects the same philosophy as the body treatments— realign, release tension, and allow the body to rest in its natural form. It is not framed as cosmetic quickfix work but as care for muscles and structure that are often overworked and ignored.
Clients, according to Marcelo, tend to feel results right away. “They find it unique… they are amused, at the same time happy after every treatment… there is always an instantaneous effect.” The rising
demand, according to the team, comes not from luxury seekers but from office workers, cyclists, gym-goers, and even Gen Z clients dealing with posture imbalance and fatigue earlier than expected. Screens, commuting, online work, and lifestyle stress have made alignment a daily concern, not an age-related one. Karada’s approach suggests that taking care of the body is not a treat or a break. It is a routine, much like eating well, stretching, or staying active.
And while the therapy itself is structured and precise, the reasoning behind it is simple. A body that is aligned feels lighter, moves more easily, and carries you through life more smoothly.
A therapist stretches the hamstrings and calves to improve posture and ease muscle compensation
A 10-step journey to timeless radiance
By Joyce Babe Pañares
IN A world of fleeting beauty trends, one ritual remains timeless—where science meets elegance, and every touch is a whisper of care.
The Montesa Platinum European Facial, offered exclusively at Montesa Medical Aesthetic Center, is more than a treatment—it’s a celebration of you.
Curated by Dr. Anna Marie Montesa, renowned age management specialist and Medical Director of Montesa Medical Group, this 10-step facial is designed for those who seek visible results without irritation, downtime, or compromise. Especially recommended for normal to dry, mature skin, it’s the perfect reset after sun exposure, stress, or aging. A Ritual of Renewal
1. Preliminary massage A gentle, grounding massage that relaxes facial muscles and prepares the skin for transformation.
2. Cleansing facial massage A deep yet soothing cleanse paired with rhythmic strokes to awaken circulation and remove impurities.
3. AHA cleansing with scraper A second cleanse using fruit-derived alpha hydroxy acids and a specialized scraper to exfoliate dead skin cells, refine pores, and brighten the complexion.
Under-eye rejuvenation Targets puffiness, dark circles, and fine
Two rounds of galvanic infusion deliver potent lifting serums deep into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
7. European massage A luxurious lymphatic massage that promotes detoxification, improves tone, and delivers a spalike experience.
8. Refirme lifting treatment A specialized firming formula that tightens and contours the skin without discomfort or irritation. The power of radiofrequency is recommended for non-surgical skin lifting, eye bag removal,
double chin removal, and jawline contouring.
9. Whitening mask A creamy, plant-based mask that brightens, moisturizes, and evens out skin tone for a luminous finish.
10. PDT red and yellow light therapy Red light stimulates collagen and cellular repair, while yellow light calms inflammation and enhances radiance.
Powered by 100 percent natural ingredients, this 10-step facial is safe for sensitive skin and free from redness or irritation. It hydrates, minimizes pores and fine lines, stimulates collagen, and promotes skin cell regeneration—all without downtime. Unlike chemical peels, it is non-reactive to sun exposure, except in the case of active sunburn. Once or twice a month is ideal—for pre-event glow-ups, post-vacation recovery, or simply to honor yourself.
“Apply SPF 30 or higher 30 minutes before
sun exposure—and reapply every 2 hours with continuous sun exposure. That’s how you preserve collagen and prevent pigmentation,” Dr. Montesa said.
“Hydration is the secret to younger-looking skin. Drink water, use hydrating serums, and never skip moisturizer—even in humid weather. Massage is also medicine. It boosts circulation, detoxifies, and lifts the face naturally.”
“Your skin reflects your
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she added.
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Dr. Anna Marie Montesa (right) with actress Snooky Serna at the Montesa Medical Aesthetic Center
PDT light therapy helps stimulate collagen and calm inflammation
The European massage step promotes detoxification and relaxation through gentle lymphatic strokes
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Quezon City.
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